Methods

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) which comprises an antigen-binding domain which selectively binds TCR beta constant region 1 (TRBC1) or TRBC2; cells; such a T cells comprising such a CAR; and the use of such cells for the treatment of a T-cell lymphoma or leukaemia in a subject.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/229,684, filed Dec. 21, 2018, which is a Continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/606,480, filed May 26, 2017, now abandoned,which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/123,287, filedSep. 2, 2016, now abandoned, which is a U.S. National Phase ofInternational Application No. PCT/GB2015/050643, filed Mar. 5, 2015,which claims priority to Great Britain Application No. 1416908.0, filedSep. 25, 2014 and Great Britain Application No. 1403905.1, filed Mar. 5,2014.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cells and agents useful in thetreatment of T-cell lymphoma or leukaemia.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Lymphoid malignancies can largely be divided into those which arederived from either T-cells or B-cells. T-cell malignancies are aclinically and biologically heterogeneous group of disorders, togethercomprising 10-20% of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and 20% of acuteleukaemias. The most commonly identified histological subtypes areperipheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS);angio-immunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) and anaplastic large celllymphoma (ALCL). Of all acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemias (ALL), some 20%are of a T-cell phenotype.

These conditions typically behave aggressively, compared for instancewith B-cell malignancies, with estimated 5-year survival of only 30%. Inthe case of T-cell lymphoma, they are associated with a high proportionof patients presenting with disseminated disease, unfavourableInternational Prognostic Indicator (IPI) score and prevalence ofextra-nodal disease. Chemotherapy alone is not usually effective andless than 30% of patients are cured with current treatments.

Further, unlike in B-cell malignancies, where immunotherapies such asthe anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab have dramatically improvedoutcomes, there is currently no equivalently effective, minimally toxicimmunotherapeutic available for the treatment of T-cell malignancies. Animportant difficulty in the development of immunotherapy for T-celldisorders is the considerable overlap in marker expression of clonal andnormal T-cells, with no single antigen clearly able to identify clonal(malignant) cells.

The same problem exists when targeting a pan-B-cell antigen to treat aB-cell malignancy. However, in this case, the concomitant depletion ofthe B-cell compartment results in relatively minor immunosuppressionwhich is readily tolerated by most patients. Further, in therapies whichresult in particularly long-term depletion of the normal B-compartment,its loss can be largely abrogated by administration of pooledimmunoglobulin. The situation is completely different when targetingT-cell malignancies. Here, concomitant depletion of the T-cellcompartment leads to severe immunosuppression and severe toxicity.Further, there is no satisfactory way to mitigate loss of the T-cellcompartment.

The toxicity is in part illustrated by the clinical effects of thetherapeutic monoclonal antibody Alemtuzumab. This agent lyses cellswhich express CD52 and has some efficacy in T-cell malignancies. Theutility of this agent is greatly limited by a profound cellularimmunodeficiency, largely due to T-cell depletion, with markedlyelevated risk of infection.

There is thus a need for a new method for targeted treatment of T-cellmalignancies which is not associated with the above disadvantages.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 : A diagram of the αβ T-cell Receptor/CD3 Complex. The T-cellreceptor is formed from 6 different protein chains which must assemblein the endoplasmic reticulum to be expressed on the cell surface. Thefour proteins of the CD3 complex (CD3ζ, CD3γ, CD3ε and CD3δ) sheath theT-cell Receptor (TCR). This TCR imbues the complex with specificity of aparticular antigen and is composed of two chains: TCRα and TCRβ. EachTCR chain has a variable component distal to the membrane and a constantcomponent proximal to the membrane. Nearly all T-cell lymphomas and manyT-cell leukaemias express the TCR/CD3 complex.

FIG. 2 : The segregation of T-cell Receptor β-constant region (TRBC)-1and TRBC2 during T-cell receptor rearrangement. Each TCR beta chain isformed from genomic recombination of a particular beta variable (V),diversity (D), joining (J) and constant (TRBC) regions. The human genomecontains two very similar and functionally equivalent TRBC loci known asTRBC1 and TRBC2. During TCR gene re-arrangement, a J-region recombineswith either TRBC1 or TRBC2. This rearrangement is permanent. T-cellsexpress many copies of a single TCR on their surface, hence each T-cellwill express a TCR whose β-chain constant region is coded for by eitherTRBC1 or TRBC2.

FIG. 3 : Alignment of human TRBC1 and TRBC2 at the amino acid level. TheTCRβ constant chain coded for by TRBC1 and TRBC2 differ by only 4 aminoacid differences: K/N at position 3 of the TRBC; N/K at position 4 ofthe TRBC; F/Y at position 36 of the TRBC; V/E at position 135 of theTRBC;

FIG. 4 : Definitive demonstration that the JOVI-1 antibody binds toTRBC1 but not TRBC2. Genetic engineering of cells was used todefinitively demonstrate that the JOVI-1 monoclonal antibody recognizesTRBC1 variant of the TCRβ constant chain. A tri-cistronic retroviralcassette was generated. This coded for both the TCRα and TCRβ chains ofa human TCR which recognizes the minor histocompatibility antigen HA1,along with truncated human CD34 as a convenient marker gene. The HA1 TCRis natively TRBC2. A second retroviral cassette was generated which wasidentical to the first except the 4 residues in the TCR β constantregion which differentiate TRBC1 from TRBC2 were changed to those codedby TRBC1. Jurkat T-cells which have both their TCRα and TCRβ chainsknocked-out were transduced with either vector. These cells were stainedwith either a pan-TCR/CD3 antibody or the monoclonal JOVI-1 conjugatedalong with antibodies against CD34 and analysed in a flow cytometer. Theupper row demonstrates staining with a pan-TCR/CD3 antibody v CD34(marker of transduction), the lower row demonstrates staining withJOVI-1 vs CD34. Transduced cells demonstrate similar TCR/CD3 stainingbut only TRBC1 +ve cells stain with JOVI-1. Hence, JOVI-1 is specific toTRBC1 and further it is possible to use an antibody to distinguish TRBC1and 2 TCRs.

FIG. 5 : The JOVI-1 mAb differentiates TRBC1 from TRBC2 by recognizingresidues 3 and 4 of the TRBC. To precisely determine how JOVI-1discriminates TRBC1 from TRBC2, the HA1 TCR TRBC2 construct detailedabove was mutated to make two TRBC1/2 hybrids. An additional variant wasgenerated so that only residues 3 and 4 of the TCRβ constant chain werechanged from those of TRBC2 to those found in TRBC1. A further variantwas made where only residue 36 was changed from that found in TRBC2 toTRBC1. TCR knock-out Jurkat T-cells were transduced with these newconstructs. The original TRBC2 and TRBC1 transduced Jurkats described inFIG. 4 were used as controls. The Jurkat T-cells were stained withJOVI-1 and analysed with a flow cytometer. Staining of JOVI-1 isoverlaid over that of non-transduced TCR knock-out Jurkat T-cells.JOVI-1 stained Jurkats expressing the TRBC1 TCR but not the TRBC2 TCR.JOVI-1 stained TRBC1/2 hybrid where only TRBC residues 3 and 4 werethose of TRBC1. JOVI-1 did not stain Jurkat T-cells where only TRBCresidue 36 was that of TRBC1.

FIG. 6 : Example of normal donor T-cell expression of TRBC1. Normaldonor peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stained with antibodiesagainst CD3, CD4, CD8 and JOVI-1 and analysed by flow cytometry. CD4+and CD8+ T-cell populations are shown on the upper panel. Each of thispopulation is gated and forward scatter vs JOVI-1 staining are shown onthe Y and X-axes respectively. These data show that both CD4+ and CD8+compartments contain cells which are TRBC1 +ve and −ve. This isrepresentative data from one donor.

FIG. 7 : TRBC1+ T-cells in several normal donors. Ten normal donors werebled and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stained as described inFIG. 4 above. The aggregate data of the proportion of TRBC1 T-cells inboth CD4 and CD8 compartments is shown in a bar graph along with medianand range. All donors had TRBC1+ and TRBC1− compartments. Median % ofTRBC1+ cells=36%.

FIG. 8 : T-cell malignancy derived cell lines stained with JOVI-1.Several cell lines have been derived from T-cell malignancies. Many ofthese cell lines still express the TCR. We selected Jurkats (A T-cellleukaemia cell line), HPB-ALL (another T-cell leukaemia cell line) andHD-Mar-2 (a T-cell lymphoma cell line) for study. By staining these celllines with a pan-TCR/CD3 antibody, we were able to demonstrate that allthree express TCR (left panels, staining overlaid over isotype controlstaining). Next, by staining with JOVI-1 we were able to determine thatthese T-cell lines are either TRBC1 negative or positive. Only Jurkatscells (TRBC1+) and not HPB-ALL or HD-Mar-2 (TRBC2+) cells stain withJOVI-1, supporting exclusive expression of either TRBC1 or 2.

FIGS. 9A-9B: Selective Killing of TRBC1 T-cells with JOVI-1 mAb.Wild-type Jurkat T-cells (CD34-, TRBC1+) were mixed with TCRαβ knock-outJurkat T-cells transduced with TRBC2 co-expressed with the CD34 markergene (CD34+TRBC2+). These cells were incubated with JOVI-1 alone orincubated with JOVI-1 and complement for 1 hour. Cells were washed andstained for CD34, Annexin V and 7-AAD. Cells were analysed byflow-cytometry. Shown below is CD34 expression in the live population asdefined by Annexin-V negative and 71AAD dim population. FIG. 9A JOVI-1alone; FIG. 9B-JOVI-1 with complement. Selective killing of TRBC1T-cells (CD34−) is observed.

FIGS. 10A-10B: Polyclonal Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) specific T-cells canbe split into two approximately equal TRBC1/2 populations. Using wellestablished methods, the inventors selectively expanded EBV specificT-cells from the peripheral blood of a normal donor. The subsequent linehad a high degree of selectively against autologous EBV infected B-cells(auto LCLs), and no activity against allogeneic EBV infected T-cells(allo LCLs), and no non-specific NK activity (as measured by testingagainst K562 cells). Such a line is representative of the donor's EBVimmunity. FIG. 10B) When stained with JOVI-1, these T-cells typedapproximately equally for TRBC1 and TRBC2.

FIG. 11 : Annotated sequence of JOVI-1 VH and VL The hypervariableregions are underlined and in bold.

FIG. 12 : Demonstration that a peripheral T-cell lymphoma is TRBCrestricted, but normal circulating T-cells are not. Peripheral bloodT-cells from a patient with circulating T-cell lymphoma cells weredrawn. Peripheral mononuclear cells were isolated and stained with apanel of antibodies including CD5, TCR and JOVI-1. Normal and malignantT-cells could be differentiated on flow by CD5 expression intensity. CD5bright (normal T-cells) had approximately equal TRBC1 and 2 populations.The CD5 intermediate and dim populations (the tumour) were all TRBC2positive. If this patient had a TRBC2 directed therapy, the lymphomawould be eradicated and approximately half of their T-cells would bespared.

FIG. 13 : Demonstration that the VH and VL derived from JOVI-1 werecorrect and that they can fold as a single-chain variable fragment.Original hybridoma supernatant, recombinant JOVI-1 antibody and scFv-Fcgenerated from transfected 293T cells were used to stain a number ofcell lines: Jurkat TCR knock-outs, wild-type Jurkats, Jurkat TCRknock-out transduced with a TRBC1 TCR in a vector co-expressing eBFP2;Jurkat TCR knock-out transduced with a TRBD2 TCR in a vectorco-expressing eBFP2. Staining was analysed by flow cytometry. Both therecombinant antibody and the scFv bound cells expressing TRBC2.

FIGS. 14A-14C: JOVI-1 based CARs in different formats. CARs typicallycomprise of a binding domain, a spacer, a transmembrane domain and anintracellular signalling domain. In this study CARs were generated whichcomprise of the JOVI-1 scFv; a spacer derived from either the CD8 stalk,the hinge-CH2-CH3 domain of human IgG1 with mutations which remove FcRbinding; or a spacer derived from human IgG1.

FIG. 15 : Function of JOVI-1 based CAR. Normal donor peripheral bloodT-cells were transduced with the different CARs described above. T-cellswere also transduced with a CD19-specific CAR as a control. TheseT-cells were then challenged with target cells: Jurkats—TCR knock-outand Jurkats wild-type and Raji cells (a CD19+ B-cell lymphoma line).Chromium release data is shown of the effectors against differenttargets. JOVI-1 CAR T-cells kill Jurkats but not Raji cells or Jurkatswith TCR knocked out.

FIG. 16 : Self-Purging of JOVI-1 CAR T-cell cultures. Since T-cellscomprise of approximately equal numbers of T-cells which are eitherTRBC1 or TRBC2 positive, it is possible that after introduction of CARsa certain amount of “fratricide” or self-purging of the culture mayoccur. It was demonstrated that this was the case. In this example, CART-cells were stained after transduction and analysed by flow-cytometry.Comparing mock-transduced versus transduced, one can observe that theT-cell population loses TRBC1 positive T-cells.

FIG. 17 : Investigating the clonality of T-cell large granular Leukaemia(T-LGL)—Patient A

FIG. 18 : Investigating the clonality of T-cell large granular Leukaemia(T-LGL)—Patient B

FIG. 19 : Investigating the clonality of T-cell large granular Leukaemia(T-LGL)—Patient C

FIG. 20 : Investigating the clonality of polyclonal T-cell lymphoma(PCTL)—Patient D

FIGS. 21A-21B: TRBC peptide phage selection strategies. FIG. 21A) Tworounds of solid-phase phage display selections on TRBC peptides directlyor indirectly immobilised on a surface. FIG. 21B) Three rounds ofsolution-phase phage display selections on biotinylated TRBC peptides.

FIGS. 22A-22C: Analysis of polyclonal phage outputs from TRBC peptidephage display selections. TRF binding assay using polyclonal phage fromsolid phase selections carried out on TRBC peptides directly immobilisedas BSA/OA conjugates (FIG. 22A), solid phase selections on TRBC peptidesimmobilised on streptavidin/neutravidin (FIG. 22B) and from solutionphase selections (FIG. 22C).

FIG. 23 : Schematic representation of pSANG10-3F vector. Gene encodingsingle chain antibody (scFv) is cloned at NcoI/NotI site downstream ofT7 promoter and pelB leader (for periplasmic translocation). The vectoralso contains a C-terminal hexa-histidine tag (His6) for purificationand tri-FLAG tag detection.

FIGS. 24A-248 : Primary screening for TRBC1 and TRBC2 specific binders.Binding of 94 scFvs from TRBC1 (FIG. 24A) and TRBC2 (FIG. 24B)selections to biotinylated TRBC1 and TRBC2 (0.5 μg/ml) immobilised onneutravidin (10 μg/ml) coated Nunc Maxisorp™ 96 well plates. The scFvbinding to the immobilised peptides was detected using an anti-FLAGantibody conjugated to europium.

FIGS. 25A-258 : Binding of polyclonal antibody sera from rabbit #13174immunized with TRBC1 against TRBC1 and TRBC2 peptides. (FIG. 25A) After3rd immunization (FIG. 25B) After 3rd immunization and purification ofTRBC1 specific antibodies.

FIGS. 26A-26B: Binding of polyclonal antibody sera from rabbit #17363immunized with TRBC2 peptide against TRBC1 and TRBC2 peptides. (FIG.26A) After 3rd immunization (FIG. 26B) After 3rd immunization andpurification of TRBC2 specific antibodies.

FIGS. 27A-27B: Binding of polyclonal antibody sera from rabbit #17364immunized with TRBC2 peptide against TRBC1 and TRBC2 peptides. (FIG.27A) After 3rd immunization (FIG. 27B) After 3rd immunization andpurification of TRBC2 specific antibodies.

SUMMARY OF ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have devised a method whereby it is possible todeplete malignant T-cells in a subject, without affecting a significantproportion of healthy T cells. In particular, they have developed TRBC1and TRBC2-specific chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) for use in thetreatment of T-cell malignancies.

Thus in a first aspect the present invention provides a chimeric antigenreceptor (CAR) which comprises an antigen-binding domain whichselectively binds TCR beta constant region 1 (TRBC1) or TRBC2.

In a first embodiment of the first aspect of the invention there isprovided a CAR which selectively binds TRBC1. In this embodiment, theCAR may comprise an antigen-binding domain which has a variable heavychain (VH) and a variable light chain (VL) which comprise the followingcomplementarity determining regions (CDRs):

VH CDR1: SEQ ID No. 7; VH CDR2: SEQ ID No. 8; VH CDR3: SEQ ID No. 9; VLCDR1: SEQ ID No. 10; VL CDR2: SEQ ID No. 11; and VL CDR3: SEQ ID No. 12.

The CAR may comprise an antigen-binding domain which comprises avariable heavy chain (VH) having the sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 1 anda variable light chain (VL) having the sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 2.

The CAR may comprise an antigen-binding domain which comprises an scFvhaving the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 3.

The CAR may comprise an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID No. 33,34 and 35.

The CAR may comprise a VH CDR3 and/or a VL CDR3 from those listed inTable 1.

The CAR may comprise an antibody or functional fragment thereof whichcomprises:

(i) the heavy chain CDR3 and/or the light chain CDR3;(ii) heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 and/or light chain CDR1, CDR2 andCDR3; or(iii) the variable heavy chain (VH) and/or the variable light chain(VL);from one of the scFvs shown as SEQ ID No. 13 to 22.

In a second embodiment of the first aspect of the invention there isprovided a CAR which selectively binds TRBC2.

In connection with this embodiment, the CAR may comprise a VH CDR3and/or a VL CDR3 from those listed in Table 2.

The CAR may comprise an antibody or functional fragment thereof whichcomprises:

(i) the heavy chain CDR3 and/or the light chain CDR3;(ii) heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 and/or light chain CDR1, CDR2 andCDR3; or(iii) the variable heavy chain (VH) and/or the variable light chain(VL);from one of the scFvs shown as SEQ ID No. 23 to 32.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a nucleic acidsequence encoding a CAR according to the first aspect of the invention.

In a third aspect, there is provided a vector which comprises a nucleicacid sequence according to the second aspect of the invention.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a cell which comprises a CARaccording to the first aspect of the invention. The cell may be acytolytic immune cell, such as a T-cell or natural killer (NK) cell.

In a fifth aspect there is provided a method for making a cell accordingto the fourth aspect of the invention which comprises the step oftransducing or transfecting a cell with a nucleic acid sequenceaccording to the second aspect of the invention or a vector according tothe third aspect of the invention.

In a sixth aspect there is provided a cell according to the fourthaspect of the invention for use in a method for treating a T-celllymphoma or leukaemia in a subject which comprises the step of

-   -   administrating the cell comprising the TCRB1 or TCRB2 selective        CAR to the subject, to cause selective depletion of the        malignant T-cells, together with normal T-cells expressing the        same TRBC as the malignant T-cells, but not to cause depletion        of normal T-cells expressing the TRBC not expressed by the        malignant T-cells.

The method may also comprise the step of investigating the TCR betaconstant region (TCRB) of a malignant T cell from the subject todetermine whether it expresses TRBC1 or TRBC2.

There is also provided a method for treating a T-cell lymphoma orleukaemia in a subject which comprises the step of administering a TCRB1or TCRB2 selective agent to the subject, wherein the agent causesselective depletion of the malignant T-cells, together with normalT-cells expressing the same TRBC as the malignant T-cells, but does notcause depletion of normal T-cells expressing the TRBC not expressed bythe malignant T-cells.

In a first embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the agent is aTCRB1 selective agent. In a second embodiment of this aspect of theinvention, the agent is a TRBC2 selective agent.

The method may also comprise the step of investigating the TCR betaconstant region (TRBC) of a malignant T-cell to determine whether itexpresses TRBC1 or TRBC2, prior to the administration step.

The agent may be a depleting monoclonal antibody or a fragment thereof.

The agent may be a conjugated antibody, which may comprise achemotherapeutic entity.

The agent may be a bispecific T-cell engager. The agent may be achimeric antigen receptor (CAR) expressing T-cell. The CAR may comprisean amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID No.33, 34 and 35.

The agent may comprise the JOVI-1 antibody or a functional fragmentthereof.

The agent may comprise an antibody or a functional fragment thereofhaving a variable heavy chain (VH) and a variable light chain (VL) whichcomprise the following complementarity determining regions (CDRs):

VH CDR1: SEQ ID No. 7; VH CDR2: SEQ ID No. 8; VH CDR3: SEQ ID No. 9; VLCDR1: SEQ ID No. 10; VL CDR2: SEQ ID No. 11; and VL CDR3: SEQ ID No. 12.

The agent may comprise an antibody of functional fragment thereof whichcomprises a variable heavy chain (VH) having the amino acid sequenceshown as SEQ ID No. 1 and a variable light chain (VL) having the aminoacid sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 2.

The agent may comprise an ScFv having the amino acid sequence shown asSEQ ID No. 3. The agent may be provided as a pharmaceutical composition.

The T-cell lymphoma or leukaemia may be selected from peripheral T-celllymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS); angio-immunoblastic T-celllymphoma (AITL), anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL),enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL), hepatosplenic T-celllymphoma (HSTL), extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma nasal type, cutaneousT-cell lymphoma, primary cutaneous ALCL, T cell prolymphocytic leukaemiaand T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

The present invention also provides an agent for use in treating aT-cell lymphoma or leukaemia according to such a method.

The present invention also provides a kit comprising an agent for use asdefined above.

The present invention also provides the use of an agent in themanufacture of a medicament for treatment of a T-cell lymphoma orleukaemia according to the above method.

The present invention also provides a method for diagnosing a T-celllymphoma or leukaemia in a subject which comprises the step ofdetermining the percentage of total T-cells in a sample which are TRBC1or TRBC2 positive.

A percentage of TRBC1 or TRBC2 positive T-cells which is greater thanabout 80% may indicate the presence of a T-cell lymphoma or leukaemia.

The sample may be a peripheral blood sample or a biopsy.

The agent which binds total T-cells may bind CD3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides agents, such as chimeric antigenreceptors (CARs) which selectively bind TRBC1 or TRBC2. Such agents areuseful in methods for treating a T-cell lymphoma or leukaemia in asubject. T cell malignancies are clonal, so they either express TRBC1 orTRBC2. By administering a TCRB1 or TCRB2 selective agent to the subject,the agent causes selective depletion of the malignant T-cells, togetherwith normal T-cells expressing the same TRBC as the malignant T-cells,but does not cause depletion of normal T-ceils expressing the TRBC notexpressed by the malignant T-cells.

TCR β Constant Region (TRBC)

The T-cell receptor (TCR) is expressed on the surface of T lymphocytesand is responsible for recognizing antigens bound to majorhistocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. When the TCR engages withantigenic peptide and MHC (peptide/MHC), the T lymphocyte is activatedthrough a series of biochemical events mediated by associated enzymes,co-receptors, specialized adaptor molecules, and activated or releasedtranscription factors.

The TCR is a disulfide-linked membrane-anchored heterodimer normallyconsisting of the highly variable alpha (α) and beta (β) chainsexpressed as part of a complex with the invariant CD3 chain molecules.T-cells expressing this receptor are referred to as α:β (or αβ) T-cells(˜95% total T-cells). A minority of T-cells express an alternatereceptor, formed by variable gamma (γ) and delta (δ) chains, and arereferred to as γδ T-cells (˜5% total T cells).

Each α and β chain is composed of two extracellular domains: Variable(V) region and a Constant (C) region, both of Immunoglobulin superfamily(IgSF) domain forming antiparallel β-sheets. The constant region isproximal to the cell membrane, followed by a transmembrane region and ashort cytoplasmic tail, while the variable region binds to thepeptide/MHC complex (see FIG. 1 ). The constant region of the TCRconsists of short connecting sequences in which a cysteine residue formsdisulfide bonds, which forms a link between the two chains.

The variable domains of both the TCR α-chain and β-chain have threehypervariable or complementarity determining regions (CDRs). Thevariable region of the β-chain also has an additional area ofhypervariability (HV4), however, this does not normally contact antigenand is therefore not considered a CDR.

The TCR also comprises up to five invariant chains γ, δ, ε (Collectivelytermed CD3) and ζ. The CD3 and ζ subunits mediate TCR signalling throughspecific cytoplasmic domains which interact with second-messenger andadapter molecules following the recognition of the antigen by αβ or γδ.Cell-surface expression of the TCR complex is preceded by the pair-wiseassembly of subunits in which both the transmembrane and extracellulardomains of TCR α and β and CD3 γ and δ play a role

TCRs are therefore commonly composed of the CD3 complex and the TCR αand β chains, which are in turn composed of variable and constantregions (FIG. 1 ).

The locus (Chr7:q34) which supplies the TCR β-constant region (TRBC) hasduplicated in evolutionary history to produce two almost identical andfunctionally equivalent genes: TRBC1 and TRBC2 (FIG. 2 ), which differby only 4 amino acid in the mature protein produced by each (FIG. 3 ).Each TCR will comprise, in a mutually exclusive fashion, either TRBC1 orTRBC2 and as such, each αβ T-cell will express either TRBC1 or TRBC2, ina mutually exclusive manner.

The present inventors have determined that, despite the similaritybetween the sequence of the TRBC1 and TRBC2, it is possible todiscriminate between them. The inventors have also determined that aminoacid sequences of TRBC1 and TRBC2 can be discriminated whilst in situ onthe surface of a cell, for example a T-cell.

Malignant Cells

The term ‘malignant’ is used herein according to its standard meaning torefer to a cell which is not self-limited in its growth, may be capableof invading into adjacent tissues and may be capable of spreading todistant tissue. As such the term ‘malignant T cell’ is used herein torefer to a clonally expanded T cell in the context of a lymphoma orleukaemia.

The method of the present invention involves determining the TRBC of amalignant T-cell. This may be performed using methods known in the art.For example it may be determined by PCR, western blot, flow cytometry orfluorescent microscopy methods.

Once the TRBC expressed by a malignant T-cell has been determined, theappropriate TRBC1 or TRBC2 selective agent is administered to thesubject. The ‘appropriate TRBC selective agent’ means that where themalignant T-cell is determined to express TRBC1, a TRBC1 selective agentis administered, whereas where the malignant T-cell is determined toexpress TRBC2, a TRBC2 selective agent is administered.

Selective Agent

The selective agent binds to either TRBC1 or TRBC2 in a mutuallyexclusive manner.

As stated above, each αβ T-cell expresses a TCR which comprises eitherTRBC1 or TRBC2. In a clonal T-cell disorder, such as a T-cell lymphomaor leukaemia, malignant T-cells derived from the same clone will allexpress either TRBC1 or TRBC2.

Thus the present method comprises the step of administering a TRBC1 orTRBC2 selective agent to the subject, wherein the agent causes selectivedepletion of the malignant T-cells, together with normal T-cells whichexpress the same TRBC as the malignant T-cells, but does not causesignificant depletion of normal T-cells expressing the other TRBC fromthe malignant T-cells.

Because the TRBC selective agent does not cause significant depletion ofnormal T-cells expressing the other TRBC from the malignant T-cells itdoes not cause depletion of the entire T-cell compartment. Retention ofa proportion of the subject's T-cell compartment (i.e. T-cells which donot express the same TRBC as the malignant T-cell) results in reducedtoxicity and reduced cellular and humoral immunodeficiency, therebyreducing the risk of infection.

Administration of a TRBC1 selective agent according to the method of thepresent invention may result in a 5, 10, 20, 50, 75, 90, 95 or 99%depletion, i.e. reduction in the number of T-cells expressing TRBC1.

Administration of a TRBC2 selective agent according to the method of thepresent invention may result in a 5, 10, 20, 50, 75, 90, 95 or 99%depletion, i.e. reduction in the number of T-cells expressing TRBC2.

A TRBC1 selective agent may bind TRBC1 with an at least 2-fold, 4-fold,5-fold, 7-fold or 10-fold greater affinity that TRBC2. Likewise, a TRBC2selective agent may bind TRBC2 with an at least 2-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold,7-fold or 10-fold greater affinity that TRBC1.

A TRBC1 selective agent causes depletion of a greater proportion ofTRBC1-expressing T-cells in cell population than TRBC2-expressing cell.For example, the ratio of depletion of TRBC1-expressing T-cells toTRBC2-expressing cells may be at least 60%:40%, 70%:30%, 80%:20%,90%:10% or 95%:5%. Likewise, a TRBC2 selective agent causes depletion ofa greater proportion of TRBC1-expressing T-cells in cell population thanTRBC2-expressing cell. For example, the ratio of depletion ofTRBC2-expressing T-cells to TRBC1-expressing cells may be at least60%:40%, 70%:30%, 80%:20%, 90%:10% or 95%:5%.

Using the method of the invention, malignant T-cells are deleted in asubject, without affecting a significant proportion of healthy T cells.By “a significant proportion” it is meant that a sufficient proportionof T cells expressing the TRBC different from the malignant T cellssurvive in order to maintain T-cell function in the subject. The agentmay cause depletion of less than 20%, 15%, 10% or 5% of the T-cellpopulation expressing the other TCRB.

The selective agent may be selective for either TRBC1 or TRBC2 becauseit discriminates residues as listed below:

-   -   (i) N from K at position 3 of the TRBC;    -   (ii) K from N at position 3 of the TRBC;    -   (iii) K from N at position 4 of the TRBC;    -   (iv) N from K at position 4 of the TRBC;    -   (v) F from Y at position 36 of the TRBC;    -   (vi) Y from F at position 36 of the TRBC;    -   (vii) V from E at position 135 of the TRBC; and/or    -   (viii) E from V at position 135 of the TRBC.

The selective agent may discriminate any combination of the differencesabove differences.

Antibody

The agent used in the method of the present invention may be a depletingmonoclonal antibody (mAb) or a functional fragment thereof, or anantibody mimetic.

The term ‘depleting antibody’ is used in the conventional sense torelate to an antibody which binds to an antigen present on a targetT-cell and mediates death of the target T-cell. The administration of adepleting antibody to a subject therefore results in areduction/decrease in the number of cells within the subject whichexpress the target antigen.

As used herein, “antibody” means a polypeptide having an antigen bindingsite which comprises at least one complementarity determining regionCDR. The antibody may comprise 3 CDRs and have an antigen binding sitewhich is equivalent to that of a domain antibody (dAb). The antibody maycomprise 6 CDRs and have an antigen binding site which is equivalent tothat of a classical antibody molecule. The remainder of the polypeptidemay be any sequence which provides a suitable scaffold for the antigenbinding site and displays it in an appropriate manner for it to bind theantigen. The antibody may be a whole immunoglobulin molecule or a partthereof such as a Fab, F(ab)′2, Fv, single chain Fv (ScFv) fragment orNanobody. The antibody may be a bifunctional antibody. The antibody maybe non-human, chimeric, humanised or fully human.

The antibody may therefore be any functional fragment which retains theantigen specificity of the full antibody.

TRBC1—Selective Antibodies

The agent for use in the method of the present invention may comprise anantibody or a functional fragment thereof having a variable heavy chain(VH) and a variable light chain (VL) which comprises one or more of thefollowing complementarity determining regions (CDRs):

VH CDR1: (SEQ ID No. 7) GYTFTGY; VH CDR2: (SEQ ID No. 8) NPYNDD;VH CDR3: (SEQ ID No. 9) GAGYNFDGAYRFFDF; VL CDR1: (SEQ ID No. 10)RSSQRLVHSNGNTYLH; VL CDR2: (SEQ ID No. 11) RVSNRFP; and VL CDR3:(SEQ ID No. 12) SQSTHVPYT.

The one or more CDRs each independently may or may not comprise one ormore amino acid mutations (eg substitutions) compared to the sequencesgiven as SEQ ID No. 7 to 12, provided that the resultant antibodyretains the ability to selectively bind to TRBC1.

Studies have shown that CDRs L3 and H3 are prevalently responsible forhigh energy interactions with the antigen, so the antibody or functionalfragment thereof, may comprise VH CDR3 and/or VL CDR3 as outlined above.

Using phage display, several additional antibody binding domains havebeen identified which are highly selective for binding TRBC1 over TRBC2,as described in Example 12.

The agent may comprise an antibody or a functional fragment thereofhaving a variable heavy chain (VH) and/or a variable light chain (VL)which comprises one or more of the complementarity determining regions(CDR3s) shown in the Table 1.

TABLE 1 TRBC1 TRBC2 Clone ID VH germline ID VL germline ID Heavy CDR3Light CDR3 binding Binding CP_01_E09 Vh3_DP-46_(3-30.3)Vk1_DPK1_(O18, O8) AHNSSSWS QQYDNL 403248 318 F . . . DY P . . . LTCP_01_D12 Vh3_DP-46_(3-30.3) Vk1_L12 GGDTYGF QQFNAY 392753 298L . . . DN P . . . LT CP_01_D10 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vk1_DPK9_(O12, O2)GGGSFGA QQYNSY 370612 306 F . . . DI P . . . LT CP_01_C08Vh3_DP-46_(3-30.3) Vk1_DPK1_(O18, O8) GYSSSWY QQYDNL 352814 426L . . . DY P . . . LT CP_01_C11 Vh1_DP-8, 75_(1-02) Vlambda6_6aGGAGW . . . N QSHDS 349231 622 S . . . NW CP_01_F03 Vh3_DP-46_(3-30.3)Vk1_DPK1_(O18, O8) GYXASSWS QQYDNL 335088 306 Q . . . GL P . . . PTCP_01_E07 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vk2_DPK12_(A2) DLGGSGGA MQSIQ 332307 394F . . . DI L . . . YT CP_01_D03 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vk3_DPK21_(L2) NKQYGQQYHRW 327666 452 M . . . DV P . . . LT CP_01_F06 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5)Vk4_DPK24_(B3) DDGAM . . . RY QQYYDS 325058 286 P . . . YT CP_01_F02Vh3_DP-46_(3-30.3) Vk1_A30 AGYSY LQHNSY 301955 508 A . . . DY P . . . LTCP_02_C03 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vk4_DPK24_(B3) GGRYSSNY QQYFG 274905 374F . . . DY T . . . PT CP_02_D10 Vh3_DP-50_(3-33) Vk3_L16 VGEGSA QQYNDW259096 517 M . . . DV P . . . LT CP_02_B01 Vh3_DP-46_(3-30.3)Vlambda6_6a VSSHYDSSGYYA QSFDTN 258840 341 GGF . . . DY SV . . . WVCP_02_D02 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vk1_DPK1_(O18, O8) GRDSSSWS QQYDNL 256223393 P . . . AY P . . . LT CP_02_A02 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5)Vlambda2 DPL11_(2a2) VTTYSGLD SSYTSS 252590 385 F . . . DY S . . . TWCP_02_D04 Vh3_DP-46_(3-30.3) Vk1_DPK9_(O12, O2) KGAVWVPGA QQYNSY 252076493 L . . . DY P . . . LT CP_01_E10 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5)Vk1_DPK9_(O12, O2) NSLYGGNS QQTFTT 238172 679 A . . . DL P . . . ITCP_01_H08 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vk1_DPK1_(O18, O8) DGGGGR QQYDNL 223591 381F . . . DY P . . . LT CP_01_F11 Vh3_DP-46_(3-30.3) Vlambda6_6a GGGALGRGQSYDT 222976 481 M . . . DV N . . . NW CP_01_F09 Vh5 DP-73_(5-51)Vk1_DPK9_(O12, O2) LLRSGGQSYA QQSYST 217934 308 F . . . DI P . . . LTCP_02_D05 Vh3_DP-46_(3-30.3) Vk1_DPK1_(O18, O8) GYSSSWS QQYDNL 212579440 F . . . DI P . . . IT CP_02_A09 Vh3_DP-46_(3-30.3)Vk1_DPK1_(O18, O8) AGSSGWT QQYDNL 202054 336 L . . . DY P . . . LTCP_02_D03 Vh3_DP-46_(3-30.3) Vk1_DPK1_(O18, O8) DKGWG QQYDNL 199403 543F . . . DY P . . . LT CP_02_C11 Vh5 DP-73_(5-51) Vlambda6_6a LGVVRGVMKGQSYDS 189481 392 D . . . FY S . . . NW CP_01_H10 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5)Vk1_DPK1_(O18, O8) SSYSSSWG QQYDNL 179830 424 M . . . DV P . . . LTCP_02_C04 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vk1_DPK9_(O12, O2) ANSWSAGG QQYDDL 172937722 M . . . DV P . . . LT CP_01_G03 Vh3_DP-46_(3-30.3)Vk2_DPK13_(O11, O1) ERGRGYSY MQRIEF 168169 360 M . . . DV P . . . LTCP_01_G06 Vh3_DP-46_(3-30.3) Vlambda6_6a VARGIHDA QSYDNTR 166703 307F . . . DI H . . . WV CP_01_D06 Vh1_DP-8, 75_(1-02) Vlambda6_6aRHGM . . . DV QSYDS 162783 287 S . . . NW CP_02_B03 Vh5 DP-73_(5-51)Vlambda6_6a FDSSGYY QSYDS 158809 312 Y . . . DY S . . . NW CP_02_A12Vh3_DP-46_(3-30.3) Vk3_DPK21_(L2) DLVTTGA QQHNDW 152968 280 F . . . DTP . . . LT CP_01_H03 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vlambda6_6a AIRVSGTPENG QSYHSSN151902 590 F . . . DV L . . . WV CP_01_G08 Vh6 DP-74_(6-1)Vk2_DPK16_(A23) VRITHG MQATHF 137502 736 M . . . DV P . . . QT CP_01_A06Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vk4_DPK24_(B3) GKLAF . . . DI QQYYST 136525 354P . . . YT CP_02_A04 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vlambda6_6a NGDSSGYHTSPN QSYDDSN130318 385 WYF . . . XL Y . . . WV CP_01_E08 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5)Vlambda2_2c VSTDSSS SSYAGSNT 126690 545 M . . . DV L . . . FV CP_01_A08Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vk1_DPK6_(L19) TSQDPGA QQANSF 117913 270 F . . . DIP . . . LT CP_01_D01 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vlambda6_6a AESGVYSSNG QSYDSS116603 204 M . . . DV I . . . WV CP_02_A07 Vh3_DP-50_(3-33) Vlambda6_6aVDRVRSG QSYDSI 105730 496 M . . . DV H . . . WV CP_02_B05Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vlambda6_6a IGQYCSSTSCY QSYDSST  96003 795 M . . . DVH . . . WV CP_01_D09 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vk1_DPK1_(O18, O8) DLGGSGGAQQYDNL  92079 282 F . . . DI P . . . LT CP_01_G07 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5)Vlambda6_6a DSDAGY QSFTSST  77222 313 F . . . DL L . . . YV CP_01_A05Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vk3_DPK21_(L2) ASIVASGA QQYNKW  75698 705 F . . . DIP . . . LT CP_02_A08 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vlambda6_6a AGGSNA QSYDDSN 73410 295 F . . . DI Y . . . WV CP_02_D07 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5)Vlambda6_6a VSTDSYGRQNW QSYDSSN  72274 367 F . . . DP H . . . WVCP_01_C04 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vk1_DPK9_(O12, O2) QYTSGRLAYYYH QQSYST 65702 286 YM . . . DV P . . . RT CP_01_A07 Vh1_DP-8, 75_(1-02)Vlambda3_DPL16_(3l) GIRGA NSRDSSGNP  63917 238 F . . . DI N . . . WVCP_01_H02 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vlambda6_6a VGYSTTQ QSYDSSN  63410 266L . . . DY L . . . WV CP_01_F10 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vlambda6_6a MAGSYYAQSYDSSN  58027 372 F . . . DI H . . . WV CP_02_C10 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5)Vlambda1_DPL2_(1c) VGDYYDSSGYLDW AVWDDRLN  53460 488 YF . . . DLG . . . WV CP_02_B05 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vk1_L12 GSDTTSFV QQYDSY  51480315 S . . . DY S . . . LT CP_01_G04 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vlambda3_3pAGHYYYY QSADSSGT  50811 354 M . . . DV N . . . MV CP_01_F08Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vlambda6_6a VTGYPDYYDSSG QSYDSSN  43115 562F . . . DY H . . . WV CP_01_G05 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vlambda6_6a VEGGPPYYQSYDTRN  42289 409 F . . . DH W . . . QV CP_02_A03 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5)Vk4_DPK24_(B3) NGLDNYG QQYYST  39382 322 M . . . DV P . . . YT CP_01_B09Vh5 DP-73_(5-51) Vk1_DPK9_(O12, O2) LGTTKRA QQSYS  38766 803 F . . . DIT . . . RT CP_01_A10 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vlambda1_DPL3_(1g) VYVDHEGAAWDDSL  38613 298 M . . . DV F . . . WL CP_01_H04 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5)Vk2_DPK13_(O11, O1) WSGSG MQRIEF  34030 305 F . . . DY P . . . LTCP_02_B04 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vk4_DPK24_(B3) DFGWGGA QQYYNT  30975 348F . . . DI P . . . LI CP_02_A05 Vh5 DP-73_(5-51) Vlambda6_6a WGGTQ QSYDS 30140 309 H . . . DY S . . . IW CP_01_F07 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5)Vlambda6_6a NWLLYYGDPQQNA QSYDSTN  29443 331 F . . . DI L . . . WVCP_01_H01 Vh5 DP-73_(5-51) Vk1_DPK9_(O12, O2) LYFDWFADSQNA QQSYST  26847349 F . . . DI P . . . LT CP_01_G10 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5)Vlambda3_DPL16_(31) VGYQPLLYAADYY NSRDSSGN  26520 360 F . . . DYH . . . LV CP_01_G11 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vk1_DPK9_(O12, O2)GAMGL . . . DY QQSYST  26087 292 P . . . FT CP_01_G01 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5)Vlambda3_DPL16_(3l) VYYLSGVHA DSRDTRVN  25464 423 F . . . DV X . . . WICP_01_A12 Vh3_DP-46_(3-30.3) Vk1_DPK1_(O18, O8) TERWLQ QQYDN  23458 331F . . . DY L . . . PS CP_01_H05 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vk2_DPK15_(A19, A3)NGDYA MQALQT  20298 322 F . . . DY P . . . YT CP_02_B07Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vlambda6_6a ASRYSGSYH QSYDS  19598 217 F . . . DYS . . . NW CP_01_G09 Vh3_DP-46_(3-30.3) Vlambda2_DPL11_(2a2) HGSQGGSSYTSSS  18725 449 F . . . DI T . . . LV CP_02_C02 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5)Vk2_DPK15_(A19, A3) VGYMGG MQALQTP  18320 468 M . . . DV P . . . YTCP_01_D05 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vlambda6_6a NTPGIAAAG QSYDSTN  17240 299P . . . DS H . . . WV CP_01_D08 Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vlambda6_6a VGTTTVTSQSYDSAN  16499 291 F . . . DY L . . . WV CP_02_A11 Vh3_DP-46_(3-30.3)Vlambda6_6a VGGPLNDA QSFDENI  13370 329 F . . . DI S . . . WV CP_02_D08Vh3_DP-49_(3-30.5) Vk3_DPK22_(A27) HSSGGA HQSATS  12277 560 F . . . DIP . . . LT

Where the agent is a domain antibody it may comprise 3 CDRs, i.e. eitherVH CDR1-CDR3 or VL CDR1-CDR3.

The agent may comprise an antibody of functional fragment thereof whichcomprises a variable heavy chain (VH) having the amino acid sequenceshown as SEQ ID No. 1 and a variable light chain (VL) having the aminoacid sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 2.

Jovi-1 VH SEQ_ID_1 EVRLQQSGPDLIKPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTGYVMHWVKQRPGQGLEWIGFINPYNDDIQSNERFRGKATLTSDKSSTTAYMELSSLTSEDSAVYYCARGAGYNFDGAYRFFDFWGQGTTLTVSS Jovi-1 VL SEQ_ID_2DVVMTQSPLSLPVSLGDQASISCRSSQRLVHSNGNTYLHWYLQKPGQSPKLLIYRVSNRFPGVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDLGIYFCSQSTH VPYTFGGGTKLEIKRThe agent may comprise an ScFv having the aminoacid sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 3. Jovi-1 scFv SEQ_ID_3EVRLQQSGPDLIKPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTGYVMHWVKQRPGQGLEWIGFINPYNDDIQSNERFRGKATLTSDKSSTTAYMELSSLTSEDSAVYYCARGAGYNFDGAYRFFDFWGQGTTLTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDVVMTQSPLSLPVSLGDQASISCRSSQRLVHSNGNTYLHWYLQKPGQSPKLLIYRVSNRFPGVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDLGIYFCSQSTHVPYTFGGG TKLEIKR

Alternatively, the agent may comprise an antibody or functional fragmentthereof which comprises:

-   -   (i) the heavy chain CDR3 and/or the light chain CDR3;    -   (ii) heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 and/or light chain CDR1,        CDR2 and CDR3; or    -   (iii) the variable heavy chain (VH) and/or the variable light        chain (VL);    -   from one of the scFvs shown as SEQ ID No. 13-22.

In the sequences shown as SEQ ID No. 13-22, the VH and VL portions ofthe sequence are shown in bold and the CDR1 and CDR2 sequences for theheavy and light chains are underlined. The CDR3 sequences for VH and VLare given in Table 1.

(CP_01_E09) SEQ ID No. 13_ QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFS SYAMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVA VISYDGSNKYYADSVKG RFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARAHNSSSWSFDYWGQGTLVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGASDIQMTQSPSSLS ASVGDRVTITCRASQSISSYLN WYQQKPGKAPKLLIY DASNLET GVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTFTISSLQPEDIATYYCQQYDNLPLTFGGGTKVDIKRTA AA (CP_01_D12)SEQ ID No. 14 EVQLLESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFS SYAMH WVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISYDGSNKYYADSVKG RFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAKGGDTYGFLDNWGQGTMVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGASDIQMTQSPSTLSA SVGDRVTITC RASQSISSWLAWYQQKPGKAPKLLIY KASSLES GVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQFNAYPLTFGGGTKVEIKRTAA A (CP_01_D10)SEQ ID No. 15 QVQLVESGGGLVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFS SYAMH WVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISYDGSSKYYADSVKG RFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAKGGGSFGAFDIWGQGTLVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGASDIQMTQSPSSLSA SVGDRVTITC RASQSISRYLNWYQQKPGKAPNLLIY AASSLQS GVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQYNSYPLTFGGGTKLEIKRTAA A (CP_01_C08)SEQ ID No. 16 EVQLLESGGGAVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFS SYAMH WVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISYDGSNKYYA

SVKG RFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCASGYSSSWYLDYWGQGTLVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGASDIQMTQSPSSVSA SVGDRVTITC QASQDISNYLNWYQQKPGKAPKLLIY DASNLET GVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTFTISSLQPEDIATYYCQQYDNLPLTFGGGTKVEIKRTAA A (CP_01_C11)SEQ ID No. 17 QVQLVESGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFT GYYMH WVRQAPGQGLEWMGRINPNSGGTNYAQKFQG RVTMTRDTSISTAYMELSRLRSDDTAVYYCASGGAGWNWGQGTMVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGASNFMLTQPHSVSESPGKT ATISC TRSSGSIASNYVQWYQQRPGSAPTTVIY EDNQRPF GVPDRFSGSIDSSSNSASLTISGLKTEDEADYYCQSHDSSNVVFGGGTQLTVLGQPAA (CP_01_F03)SEQ ID No. 18 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFS SYAMH WVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISYDGSNKYYADSVKG RFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARGY?ASSWSQGLWGQGTLVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGASDIQMTQSPSSLS ASVRDRVTITCQASQDISNYLN WYQQKPGKAPKLLIY DASNLET GVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTFTISSLQPEDIATYYCQQYDNLPPTFGGGTKVEIKRTA AA (CP_01_E07)SEQ ID No. 19 QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFS SYGMH WVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISYDGSNKYYADSVKG RFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAKDLGGSGGAFDIWGQGTLVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGASDIVMTQTPHSLS VTPGQPASISCKSSQSLLYSDGKTYLY WYLQKPGQPPQLLIY EVSNRFSGVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDVGVYYCMQSIQLYTFGQGTKVDI KRTAAA (CP_01_D03)SEQ ID No. 20 QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAAPGFTFS SYGMH WVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISYDGSNKYYADSVKG RFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARNKQYGMDVWGQGTLVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGASDIVMTQSPATLSLAP GERATLSC RASQSVGSNLAWYQQKPGQAPSLLIY DASTRAT GIPARFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQSEDIAVYYCQQYHRWPLTFGGGTKVEIKRTAAA (CP_01_F06)SEQ ID No. 21 EVQLLESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFS SYGMH WVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISYDGSNKYYADSVKG RFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAKDDGAMRYWGQGTMVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGASDIQMTQSPDSLAVSLG ERATINCKSSQSVLYSSNNKNYLA WYQQKPGQPPKLLIY WASTRES GVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQAEDVAVYYCQQYYDSPYTFGQGTKVDIKR TAAA (CP_01_F02)SEQ ID No. 22 QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRPLRLSCAASGFTFS SYAMH WVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISYDGSNKYYADSVKG RFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARAGYSYADYWGQGTMVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGASDIQMTQSPSSLSASV GDRVTITC RASQGIRNDLGWYQQKPGKAPKRLIY AASSLQS GVPSRFSGSGSGTEFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCLQHNSYPLTFGGGTKVDIKRTAAA

TRBC2—Specific

Using phage display, several antibody binding domains have beenidentified which are highly selective for binding TRBC2 over TRBC1, asdescribed in Example 12.

The agent may comprise an antibody or a functional fragment thereofhaving a variable heavy chain (VH) and/or a variable light chain (VL)which comprises one or more of the complementarity determining regions(CDR3s) shown in the Table 2.

TABLE 2 Clone CDR3 CDR3 TRBC2 TRBC1 ID VH dp number VL dp number groupHeavy CDR3 group Light CDR3 binding Binding CP_03_E05 Vh3_DP-47_(3-23)Vlambda6_6a 38 TRSSGA 11 HSYDSNN 21720 1617 F . . . DI H . . . SVCP_03_D05 Vh1_DP-8, 75_(1-02) Vlambda3_ 33 PRGRGSA 27 QAWDTNL 212721 762 DPL23(3r) F . . . DI

CP_03_H06 Vh3_DP-35_(3-11) Vlambda6_6a 20 ARVGG 19 QSFDADNL 167971  391M . . . DV H . . . V

CP_03_C12 Vh1_DP-8, 75_(1-02) Vk2_DPK12_(A12) 274 DTGP  5 MQGIQL 167391 789 I . . . DY P . . . PT CP_03_G02 Vh1_DP-7_(1-46) Vk1_DPK9_ 10GVWNSGSYLG 30 QQSYST 151586  787 (O12, O2) F . . . 

P . . . LT CP_03_D04 Vh3_DP-46_(3-30.3) Vlambda6_6a 28 GGFTVPGGA 13QSYDAS 143051 1210 F . . . DI N . . .  

CP_03_F10 Vh1_DP-8, 75_(1-02) Vlambda2_2c 42 FGERYA  9 SAYTGS 1397671680 F . . . DI N . . . YV CP_03_G09 Vh6_DP-74_(6-1) Vlambda3_3j 34DQWLANYYYG 34 QVWDSN 138659  979 M . . . 

S . . . W

CP_03_F09 Vh1_DP-7_(1-46) Vlambda6_6a 8 NRGGSYKWVG 36 QSYDEV 131852  889M . . . 

S . . . VV CP_03_D09 Vh1_DP-15_(1-08) Vlambda6_6a 11 VSSYYG 28 QSYNSSN128690  544 M . . . DV H . . . W

CP_03_F02 Vh1_DP-15_(1-08) Vlambda6_6a  3 APASSA 14 QSYDSS 127081 1507H . . . DH H . . . VV CP_03_E03 Vh3_DP-46_(3-30.3) Vk1_DPK9_ 16 QRGYYYG12 QQSRST 122650 1979 (O12, O2) M . . . DV P . . . LT CP_03_H07Vh3_DP-31_(3-09) Vlambda2_ 14 SSVAAGA 22 SSYTSSS 120948 1233 DPL11(2a2)F . . . DI T . . . WV CP_03_C02 Vh5_DP-73(5-51) Vlambda2_ 13 LSGRGLG 10SSYAGSSN 100238 1904 DPL10_(2b2) F . . . DY L . . . W

CP_03_E09 Vh1_DP-8, 75_(1-02) Vlambda2_  5 DHY 21 NSYTRSS  99580 1011DPL11_(2a2) F . . . DY T . . . LV CP_03_D08 Vh3_DP-46_(3-30.3)Vlambda6_6a 19 SGRRVTA  8 QSYDDT  92074  453 I . . . DY N . . . VVCP_03_E11 Vh1_DP-8, 75_(1-02) Vlambda3_3h 37 MGRYSSS  3 QAWDTNI  91813 940 W . . . NI G . . .G

CP_03_B05 Vh5_DP-73_(5-51) Vlambda2_ 12 HSRFGPA 23 SSYAGSN  88004  815DPL10_(2b2) F . . . DI N . . . YV CP_03_H02 Vh1_DP-8, 75_(1-02)Vlambda3_ 25 DREA  3 QAWDTNI  87576 1829 DPL23(3r) F . . . DI G . . . G

CP_03_D02 Vh5_DP-73_(5-51) Vlambda2_  7 LRGRYSYGYS 17 SSYAGSS  849071096 DPL10_(2b2) DAF . . .  T . . . FV

CP_03_E01 Vh1_DP-8, 75_(1-02) Vlambda3_ 36 LLNAVTYA  4 NSRDSSG  81606 498 DPL16_(3l) F . . . DI F . . . PV CP_03_C11 Vh1_DP-8, 75_(1-02)Vlambda2_  2 GVIGG 18 SSYTSS  78572 1079 DPL11_(2a2) F . . . DYS . . . IL CP_03_B12 Vh3_DP-47_(3-23) Vlambda6_6a  9 IEYSSSSPY 16QSYDSNN  70734 1120 F . . . DY R . . . VL CP_03_E03 Vh1_DP-7_(1-46)Vlambda3_ 18 DLLPTTVTTT  7 SSRDSSGN  69661  356 DPL16(3l) GA H . . . LVF . . . D

CP_03_F01 Vh1_DP-8, 75_(1-02) Vlambda3_ 40 DSGSY  3 QAWDTNI  66921 1633DPL23(3r) S . . . DY G . . . G

CP_03_C01 Vh6_DP-74_(6-1) Vlambda3_3j 31 ASYPYYYYYY 29 QVWDSSTA  58194 825 GM . . . 

N . . . V

CP_03_G07 Vh6_DP-74_(6-1) Vlambda6_6a 41 ALGH 32 QSYDSSNH  57147 1278F . . . DF H . . . V

CP_03_E02 Vh5_DP-73_(5-51) Vlambda2_ 35 FTTGSA 26 SSYAGNS  52212  362DPL11_(2a2) L . . . YM N . . . LV CP_03_C07 Vh1_DP-8, 75_(1-02)Vlambda3_ 17 DASG  3 QAWDTNI  43547 1074 DPL23(3r) Y . . . DY G . . . G

CP_03_H04 Vh1_DP-8, 75_(1-02) Vlambda1_  1 DLGTYYYGSG  2 GTWDSSLSA 35180 1103 DPL5(1b) D . . . DY G . . . Q

CP_03_E06 Vh1_DP-8, 75_(1-02) Vlambda3_ 39 VGELLGA 35 SSLDSNDN  34777 917 DPL16(3l) F . . . DI H . . . PI CP_03_H03 Vh1_DP-5_(1-24) Vlambda1_15 G 37 AAWDDSLN  33358 1405 DPL2(1c) L . . . GV G . . . Y

CP_03_G11 Vh5_DP-73_(5-51) Vlambda2_ 23 HSGVGGLA 31 SSYAGSS  30854  836DPL12_(2e) F . . . DI T . . . YV CP_03_G01 Vh6_DP-74_(6-1) Vk1_L9  4GGSIAAALA 20 HQYDVY  30762 1039 F . . . DI P . . . PT CP_03_H01Vh1_DP-15_(1-08) Vlambda3_ 30 VEYSRNG  6 NSRDSSGN  29826 1203 DPL16_(3l)M . . .DV H . . . L

CP_03_F11 Vh1_DP-15_(1-08) Vlambda6_6a 22 GRY 15 QSYDSS  24172 1152N . . . LI N . . . WV CP_03_C06 Vh1_DP-14_(1-18) Vlambda6_6a 32 LDYYYG33 QSYDSS  23031  937 M . . . DV N . . . QV CP_03_D03 Vh1_DP-15_(1-08)Vlambda6_6a 26 GGLSSA 24 QSYDSS  22905 1283 F . . . DI N . . . VVCP_03_G05 Vh5_DP-73_(5-51_ Vlambda2_  6 YGGG 25 SSYAGSY  22037  813DPL12_(2e) L . . . DV T . . . LV CP_03_G12 Vh3_DP-47_(3-23) Vlambda2_ 21PDHLTV  1 SSYTPS  20349  942 DPL11_(2a2) F . . . DY S . . . VL CP_03_C10Vh1_DP-8, 75_(1-02) Vlambda3_ 24 VGYYG  3 QAWDTNI  18438  896 DPL23(3r)M . . . DV G . . . G

CP_03_F04 Vh1_DP-8, 75_(1-02) Vlambda3_ 29 YEGYAG  3 QAWDTNI  13541 1047DPL23(3r) F . . . DY G . . . G

indicates data missing or illegible when filed

The agent may comprise an antibody or functional fragment thereof whichcomprises:

(i) the heavy chain CDR3 and/or the light chain CDR3;(ii) Heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 and/or light chain CDR1, CDR2 andCDR3; or(iii) the variable heavy chain (VH) and/or the variable light chain(VL);from one of the scFvs shown as SEQ ID No. 23-32.

In the sequences shown as SEQ ID No. 23-32, the VH and VL portions ofthe sequence are shown in bold and the CDR1 and CDR2 sequences for theheavy and light chains are underlined. The CDR3 sequences for VH and VLare given in Table 2.

(CP_03_E05) SEQ ID No. 23

VQLVESGGGVVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFS SYAMS WVRQAPGKGLEWVS AISGSGGSTYYADSVKGRFSISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARTRSSGAFDIWGQGTLVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGASNFMLTQPHSVSESP GKTVTISC TRSSGSIASKYVQWYQQRPGSSPTTVIY EDNQRPS GVPDRFSGSIDTSSNSASLTISGLRTEDEADYYCHSYDSNNHSVFGGGTKVTVLG QPAA (CP_03_D05)SEQ ID No. 24 QVQLVESGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFT GYYMH WVRQAPGQGLEWMGRINPNSGGTNYAQKFQG RVTMTRDTSISTAYMELSRLRSDDTAVYYCASPRGRGSAFDIWGQGTLVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGASSYELTQPPSVSVS PGQTATISC SGDQLGGKYGHWYQKKPGQSPVLVLY QDRKRPA GIPERFSGSSSGNTITLTISGTQAVDEADYYCQAWDTNLGGVFGGGTKVTVLGQPA A (CP_03_H06)SEQ ID No. 25 QVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFS DYYMS WIRQAPGKGLEWVSYISSSGSTIYYADSVEG RFTISRDNAKNSLYLQMNSLRTEDTAVYYCARARVGGMDVWGQGTMVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGASNFMLTQPHSVSESPG KTVTISC TRSSGSIASNYVQWYQQRPGSSPTTVIY EDNQRPS GVPDRFSGSIDSSSNSASLTISGLKTEDEADYYCQSFDADNLHVVFGGGTKLTVLG QPAA (CP_03_C12)SEQ ID No. 26 EVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFT GYYMH WVRQAPGQGLEWMGWINPNSGGTNYAQKFQG RVTMTRDTSISTAYMELSSLRSEDTAVYYCARDTGPIDYWGQGTMVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGASDIVMTQTPLSLSVTPG QPASISCKSSQSLLHSDGKTYLY WYLQKPGQPPQLLVY EVSNRFS GVPDKFSGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDVGVYYCMQGIQLPPTFGGGTKVDIKRT AAA (CP_03_G02)SEQ ID No. 27 EVQLVQSGAEVKKPGSSVKVSCKASGGTFS SYAIS WVRQAPGQGLEWMGIINPSGGSTSYAQKFQG RVTMTRDTSTSIVYMELSSLRSEDTAVYYCARGVWNSGSYLGFDYWGQGTLVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGASDIQMTQSPSS LSASVGDRVTITCQASQDISNYLN WYQQKPGKAPKLLIY AASSLQS GVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQSYSTPLTFGGGTKLEIKR TAAA (CP_03_D04)SEQ ID No. 28 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFS SYAMH WVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISYDGSNKYYADSVKG RFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARGGFTVPGGAFDIWGQGTLVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGASNFMLTQPHSVS DSPGKTVTISCTRSSGRIGSNFVQ WYQQRPGSSPTTVIY EDDQRPS GVPARFSGSIDSSSNSASLTISGLTTADEAGYYCQSYDASNVIFGGGTKLTV LGQPAA (CP_03_F10)SEQ ID No. 29 EVQLVESGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFT GYYMH WVRQAPGQGLEWMGRINPNSGGTNYAQKFQG RVTMTRDTSISTAYMELSSLRSEDTAVYYCARFGERYAFDIWGQGTLVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGASQSELTQPPSASGSP GQSVTISCTGTSTDVGAFHFVS WYQHTPGKAPKLLIS EVRKRAS GVPDRFSGSRSGNTASLTVSGLQSEDEADYFCSAYTGSNYVFGSGTKLTVLGQP AA (CP_03_G09)SEQ ID No. 30 QVQLQQSGPGLVKPSQTLSLTCAISGDSVS SNSAAWN WIRQSPSRGLEW LGRTYYRSKWYNDYAVSVKS RITINPDTSKNQFSLQLNSVTPEDTAVYYCARDQWLANYYYYGMDVWGQGTLVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGASSYELTQ PLSVSVALGQTARITCGGNNIGSKNVH WYQQKPGQAPVLVIY RDNNRPSGIPERFSGSNSGNTATLTISKAQAGDEADYYCQVWDSNSWVFGGGTKLT VLGQPAA (CP_03_F09)SEQ ID No. 31 QMQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFA SYYMH WVRQAPGQGLEWMGIINPSGGSTSYAQKFQG RVTMTRDTSTSTVYMELSRLRSDDTAVYYCASNRGGSYKSVGMDVWGQGTTVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGASNFMLTQPQSV SESPGKTVTISCTRSSGNFASKYVQ WYQQRPGSSPTTVIY ENYQRPS GVPDRFSGSIDSSSNSATLTISGLKTEDEADYYCQSYDEVSVVFGGGTQLT VLGQPAA (CP_03_D09)SEQ ID No. 32 EVQLVQSGAEVKKPGSSVKVSCEASGYTFT SYAIS WVRQAPGQGLEWMGWMNPNSGNTGYAQKFQG RVTMTRNTSISTAYMELSSLRSEDTAVYYCARVSSYYGMDVWGQGTLVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGASNFMLTQPLSVSESP GKTVTISC TRSSGSIASNYVQWYQQRPGSAPTTVIY EDNQRPS GVPDRFSGSIDSSSNSASLTISGLKTEDEADYYCQSYNSSNHWVFGGGTKVTVLG QPAA

Variants of the above amino acid sequences may also be used in thepresent invention, provided that the resulting antibody binds TRBC1 orTRBC2 and does not significantly cross-react. Typically such variantshave a high degree of sequence identity with one of the sequencesspecified above.

Methods of alignment of sequences for comparison are well known in theart.

The NCBI Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) is available fromseveral sources, including the National Center for BiotechnologyInformation (NCBI, Bethesda, Md.) and on the internet, for use inconnection with the sequence analysis programs blastp, blastn, blastx,tblastn and tblastx. A description of how to determine sequence identityusing this program is available on the NCBI website on the internet.

Variants of the VL or VH domain or scFv typically have at least about75%, for example at least about 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%sequence identity with the sequences given as SEQ ID Nos 1-3, 13-32.

Typically variants may contain one or more conservative amino acidsubstitutions compared to the original amino acid or nucleic acidsequence. Conservative substitutions are those substitutions that do notsubstantially affect or decrease the affinity of an antibody to bindTRBC1 or TRBC2. For example, a human antibody that specifically bindsTRBC1 or TRBC2 may include up to 1, up to 2, up to 5, up to 10, or up to15 conservative substitutions in either or both of the VH or VL comparedto any of the sequences given as SEQ ID No. 1-3 or 13-32 and retainspecific binding to TRBC1 or TRBC2.

Functionally similar amino acids which may be exchanged byway ofconservative substitution are well known to one of ordinary skill in theart. The following six groups are examples of amino acids that areconsidered to be conservative substitutions for one another: 1) Alanine(A), Serine (S), Threonine (T); 2) Aspartic acid (D), Glutamic acid (E);3) Asparagine (N), Glutamine (Q); 4) Arginine (R), Lysine (K); 5)Isoleucine (1), Leucine (L), Methionine (M), Valine (V); and 6)Phenylalanine (F), Tyrosine (Y), Tryptophan (W).

Preparation of Antibodies

Preparation of antibodies may be performed using standard laboratorytechniques. Antibodies may be obtained from animal serum, or, in thecase of monoclonal antibodies or fragments thereof, produced in cellculture. Recombinant DNA technology may be used to produce theantibodies according to established procedure, in bacterial or mammaliancell culture.

Methods for the production of monoclonal antibodies are well known inthe art. Briefly, monoclonal antibodies are typically made by fusingmyeloma cells with the spleen cells from a mouse or rabbit that has beenimmunized with the desired antigen. Herein, the desired antigen is TRBC1or TRBC2 peptide, or a TCRβ chain comprising either TRBC1 or TRBC2.

Alternatively, antibodies and related molecules, particularly scFvs, maybe made outside the immune system by combining libraries of VH and VLchains in a recombinant manner. Such libraries may be constructed andscreened using phage-display technology as described in Example 12.

Identification of TRBC1/TRBC2 Selective Antibodies

Antibodies which are selective for either TRBC1 or TRBC2 may beidentified using methods which are standard in the art. Methods fordetermining the binding specificity of an antibody include, but are notlimited to, ELISA, western blot, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry,Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), phage display libraries, yeasttwo-hybrid screens, co-immunoprecipitation, bimolecular fluorescencecomplementation and tandem affinity purification.

To identify an antibody which is selective for either TRBC1 or TRBC2 thebinding of the antibody to each of TRBC1 and TRBC2 is assessed.Typically, this is assessed by determining the binding of the antibodyto each TRBC separately. An antibody which is selective binds to eitherTRBC1 or TRBC2 without significant binding to the other TRBC.

Antibody Mimetics

The agent may alternatively be a molecule which is not derived from orbased on an immunoglobulin. A number of “antibody mimetic” designedrepeat proteins (DRPs) have been developed to exploit the bindingabilities of non-antibody polypeptides.

Repeat proteins such as ankyrin or leucine-rich repeat proteins areubiquitous binding molecules which occur, unlike antibodies, intra- andextracellularly. Their unique modular architecture features repeatingstructural units (repeats), which stack together to form elongatedrepeat domains displaying variable and modular target-binding surfaces.Based on this modularity, combinatorial libraries of polypeptides withhighly diversified binding specificities can be generated. DARPins(Designed Ankyrin Repeat Proteins) are one example of an antibodymimetic based on this technology.

For Anticalins, the binding specificity is derived from lipocalins, afamily of proteins which perform a range of functions in vivo associatedwith physiological transport and storage of chemically sensitive orinsoluble compounds. Upocalins have a robust intrinsic structurecomprising a highly conserved s-barrel which supports four loops at oneterminus of the protein. These loops for the entrance to a bindingpocket and conformational differences in this part of the moleculeaccount for the variation in binding specificity between differentlipocalins.

Avimers are evolved from a large family of human extracellular receptordomains by in vitro exon shuffling and phage display, generatingmulti-domain proteins with binding and inhibitory properties.

Versabodies are small proteins of 3-5 kDa with >15% cysteines which forma high disulfide density scaffold, replacing the hydrophobic corepresent in most proteins. The replacement of a large number ofhydrophobic amino acids, comprising the hydrophobic core, with a smallnumber of disulphides results in a protein that is smaller, morehydrophilic, more resistant to proteases and heat and has a lowerdensity of T-cell epitopes. All four of these properties result in aprotein having considerably reduced immunogenicity. They may also bemanufactured in E. coli, and are highly soluble and stable.

Conjugates

The antibody or mimetic may be a conjugate of the antibody or mimeticand another agent or antibody, for example the conjugate may be adetectable entity or a chemotherapeutic entity.

The detectable entity may be a fluorescent moiety, for example afluorescent peptide. A “fluorescent peptide” refers to a polypeptidewhich, following excitation, emits light at a detectable wavelength.Examples of fluorescent proteins include, but are not limited to,fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), phycoerythrin (PE), allophycocyanin(APC), green fluorescent protein (GFP), enhanced GFP, red fluorescentprotein (RFP), blue fluorescent protein (BFP) and mCherry.

A selective TRBC1 or TRBC2 agent conjugated to a detectable entity maybe used to determine the TRBC of a malignant T cell.

A chemotherapeutic entity as used herein refers to an entity which isdestructive to a cell, that is the entity reduces the viability of thecell. The chemotherapeutic entity may be a cytotoxic drug. Achemotherapeutic agent contemplated includes, without limitation,alkylating agents, nitrosoureas, ethylenimines/methylmelamine, alkylsulfonates, antimetabolites, pyrimidine analogs, epipodophylotoxins,enzymes such as L-asparaginase; biological response modifiers such asIFNα, IL-2, G-CSF and GM-CSF; platinium coordination complexes such ascisplatin and carboplatin, anthracenediones, substituted urea such ashydroxyurea, methylhydrazine derivatives including N-methylhydrazine(MIH) and procarbazine, adrenocortical suppressants such as mitotane(o,p-DDD) and aminoglutethimide; hormones and antagonists includingadrenocorticosteroid antagonists such as prednisone and equivalents,dexamethasone and aminoglutethimide; progestin such ashydroxyprogesterone caproate, medroxyprogesterone acetate and megestrolacetate; estrogen such as diethylstilbestrol and ethinyl estradiolequivalents; antiestrogen such as tamoxifen; androgens includingtestosterone propionate and fluoxymesterone/equivalents; antiandrogenssuch as flutamide, gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs andleuprolide; and non-steroidal antiandrogens such as flutamide.

A TRBC selective agent conjugated to a chemotherapeutic entity enablesthe targeted delivery of the chemotherapeutic entity to cells whichexpress either TRBC1 or TRBC2.

Bi-Specific T-Cell Engagers

A wide variety of molecules have been developed which are based on thebasic concept of having two antibody-like binding domains.

Bispecific T-cell engaging molecules are a class of bispecificantibody-type molecules that have been developed, primarily for the useas anti-cancer drugs. They direct a hosts immune system, morespecifically the T cellsytotoxic activity, against a target cell, suchas a cancer cell. In these molecules, one binding domain binds to a Tcell via the CD3 receptor, and the other to a target cells such as atumor cell (via a tumor specific molecule). Since the bispecificmolecule binds both the target cell and the T cell, it brings the targetcell into proximity with the T cell, so that the T cell can exert itseffect, for example, a cytotoxic effect on a cancer cell. The formationof the T cell:bispecific Ab:cancer cell complex induces signaling in theT cell leading to, for example, the release of cytotoxic mediators.Ideally, the agent only induces the desired signaling in the presence ofthe target cell, leading to selective killing.

Bispecific T-cell engaging molecules have been developed in a number ofdifferent formats, but one of the most common is a fusion consisting oftwo single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) of different antibodies.These are sometimes known as BiTEs (Bi-specific T-cell Engagers).

The agent used in the method of the present invention may be abi-specific molecule which selectively recognises TRBC1 or TRBC2 and iscapable of activating a T cell. For example the agent may be a BiTE. Theagent used in the method may comprise:

-   (i) a first domain which binds either TRBC1 or TRBC2; and-   (ii) a second domain capable of activating a T cell.

The bi-specific molecule may comprise a signal peptide to aid in itsproduction. The signal peptide may cause the bi-specific molecule to besecreted by a host cell, such that the bi-specific molecule can beharvested from the host cell supernatant.

The signal peptide may be at the amino terminus of the molecule. Thebi-specific molecule may have the general formula: Signal peptide—firstdomain—second domain.

The bi-specific molecule may comprise a spacer sequence to connect thefirst domain with the second domain and spatially separate the twodomains.

The spacer sequence may, for example, comprise an IgG1 hinge or a CD8stalk. The linker may alternatively comprise an alternative linkersequence which has similar length and/or domain spacing properties as anIgG1 hinge or a CD8 stalk.

The bi-specific molecule may comprise JOVI-1, or a functional fragmentthereof, as defined above.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)

Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), also known as chimeric T-cellreceptors, artificial T-cell receptors and chimeric immunoreceptors, areengineered receptors, which graft an arbitrary specificity onto animmune effector cell. In a classical CAR, the specificity of amonoclonal antibody is grafted on to a T-cell. CAR-encoding nucleicacids may be transferred to T-cells using, for example, retroviralvectors. In this way, a large number of cancer-specific T-cells can begenerated for adoptive cell transfer. Phase I clinical studies of thisapproach show efficacy.

The target-antigen binding domain of a CAR is commonly fused via aspacer and transmembrane domain to an endodomain, which comprises orassociates with an intercellular T-cell signalling domain. When the CARbinds the target-antigen, this results in the transmission of anactivating signal to the T-cell it is expressed on.

The agent used in the method of the present invention may be a CAR whichselectively recognises TRBC1 or TRBC2. The agent may be a T-cell whichexpresses a CAR which selectively recognises TRBC1 or TRBC2.

The CAR may also comprise a transmembrane domain which spans themembrane. It may comprise a hydrophobic alpha helix. The transmembranedomain may be derived from CD28, which gives good receptor stability.

The endodomain is the portion of the CAR involved insignal-transmission. The endodomain either comprises or associates withan intracellular T-cell signalling domain. After antigen recognition,receptors cluster and a signal is transmitted to the cell. The mostcommonly used T-cell signalling component is that of CD3-zeta whichcontains 3 ITAMs. This transmits an activation signal to the T-cellafter antigen is bound. CD3-zeta may not provide a fully competentactivation signal and additional co-stimulatory signaling may be needed.For example, chimeric CD28 and OX40 can be used with CD3-Zeta totransmit a proliferative/survival signal, or all three can be usedtogether.

The endodomain of the CAR may comprise the CD28 endodomain and OX40 andCD3-Zeta endodomain.

The CAR may comprise a signal peptide so that when the CAR is expressedinside a cell, such as a T-cell, the nascent protein is directed to theendoplasmic reticulum and subsequently to the cell surface, where it isexpressed.

The CAR may comprise a spacer sequence to connect the TRBC-bindingdomain with the transmembrane domain and spatially separate theTRBC-binding domain from the endodomain. A flexible spacer allows to theTRBC-binding domain to orient in different directions to enable TRBCbinding.

The spacer sequence may, for example, comprise an IgG1 Fc region, anIgG1 hinge or a CD8 stalk, or a combination thereof. The linker mayalternatively comprise an alternative linker sequence which has similarlength and/or domain spacing properties as an IgG1 Fc region, an IgG1hinge or a CD8 stalk.

It was found that CARs comprising a spacer based on an IgG1 hinge or aCD8 stalk showed the best performance against Jurkat cells (FIG. 15 ).The spacer may an therefore comprise an IgG1 hinge or a CD8 stalk or aspacer which has a similar length and/or domain spacing properties as anIgG1 hinge or a CD8 stalk.

A human IgG1 spacer may be altered to remove Fc binding motifs.

The CAR may comprise the JOVI-1 antibody, or a functional fragmentthereof, as defined above.

The CAR may comprise an amino acid sequence selected from the groupconsisting of SEQ ID No. 33, 34 and 35.

>SEQ_ID_33 JOVI-1 CAR with CD8 stalk spacerMETDTLLLWVLLVWIPGSTGEVRLQQSGPDLIKPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTGYVMHWVKQRPGQGLEWIGFINPYNDDIQSNERFRGKATLTSDKSSTTAYMELSSLTSEDSAVYYCARGAGYNFDGAYRFFDFWGQGTTLTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDVVMTQSPLSLPVSLGDQASISCRSSQRLVHSNGNTYLHWYLQKPGQSPKLLIYRVSNRFPGVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDLGIYFCSQSTHVPYTFGGGTKLEIKRSDPTTTPAPRPPTPAPTIASQPLSLRPEACRPAAGGAVHTRGLDFACDIFWVLVVVGGVLACYSLLVTVAFIIFWVRSKRSRLLHSDYMNMTPRRPGPTRKHYQPYAPPRDFAAYRSRDQRLPPDAHKPPGGGSFRTPIQEEQADAHSTLAKIRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR >SEQ_ID_34 JOVI-1 CAR with H—CH2—CH3pvaa spacerMETDTLLLWVLLVWIPGSTGEVRLQQSGPDLIKPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTGYVMHWVKQRPGQGLEWIGFINPYNDDIQSNERFRGKATLTSDKSSTTAYMELSSLTSEDSAVYYCARGAGYNFDGAYRFFDFWGQGTTLTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDVVMTQSPLSLPVSLGDQASISCRSSQRLVHSNGNTYLHWYLQKPGQSPKLLIYRVSNRFPGVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDLGIYFCSQSTHVPYTFGGGTKLEIKRSDPAEPKSPDKTHTCPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMIARTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSRDELTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGKKDPKFWVLVVVGGVLACYSLLVTVAFIIFWVRSKRSRLLHSDYMNMTPRRPGPTRKHYQPYAPPRDFAAYRSRDQRLPPDAHKPPGGGSFRTPIQEEQADAHSTLAKIRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR >SEQ_ID_35 JOVI-1 CAR with IgG1 hinge spacerMETDTLLLWVLLVWIPGSTGEVRLQQSGPDLIKPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTGYVMHWVKQRPGQGLEWIGFINPYNDDIQSNERFRGKATLTSDKSSTTAYMELSSLTSEDSAVYYCARGAGYNFDGAYRFFDFWGQGTTLTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDVVMTQSPLSLPVSLGDQASISCRSSQRLVHSNGNTYLHWYLQKPGQSPKLLIYRVSNRFPGVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDLGIYFCSQSTHVPYTFGGGTKLEIKRSDPAEPKSPDKTHTCPPCPKDPKFWVLVVVGGVLACYSLLVTVAFIIFWVRSKRSRLLHSDYMNMTPRRPGPTRKHYQPYAPPRDFAAYRSRDQRLPPDAHKPPGGGSFRTPIQEEQADAHSTLAKIRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQ GLSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR

In the CAR sequences given above, one or more of the 6 CDRs eachindependently may or may not comprise one or more amino acid mutations(eg substitutions) compared to the sequences given as SEQ ID No. 7 to12, provided that the resultant CAR retains the ability to bind toTRBC1.

Variants of the above amino acid sequences may also be used in thepresent invention, provided that the resulting CAR binds TRBC1 or TRBC2and does not significantly cross-react. Typically such variants have ahigh degree of sequence identity with one of the sequences given as SEQID No. 33, 34 or 35.

Variants of the CAR typically have at least about 75%, for example atleast about 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity withone of the sequences given as SEQ ID Nos 33, 34 and 35.

Nucleic Acid

The present invention further provides a nucleic acid encoding an agentsuch as a BiTE or CAR of the first aspect of the invention.

The nucleic acid sequence may encode a CAR comprising one of the aminoacid sequences shown as SEQ ID No. 33, 34 and 35.

As used herein, the terms “polynucleotide”, “nucleotide”, and “nucleicacid” are intended to be synonymous with each other.

It will be understood by a skilled person that numerous differentpolynucleotides and nucleic acids can encode the same polypeptide as aresult of the degeneracy of the genetic code. In addition, it is to beunderstood that skilled persons may, using routine techniques, makenucleotide substitutions that do not affect the polypeptide sequenceencoded by the polynucleotides described here to reflect the codon usageof any particular host organism in which the polypeptides are to beexpressed.

Nucleic acids according to the invention may comprise DNA or RNA. Theymay be single-stranded or double-stranded. They may also bepolynucleotides which include within them synthetic or modifiednucleotides. A number of different types of modification tooligonucleotides are known in the art. These include methylphosphonateand phosphorothioate backbones, addition of acridine or polylysinechains at the 3 and/or 5 ends of the molecule. For the purposes of theuse as described herein, it is to be understood that the polynucleotidesmay be modified by any method available in the art. Such modificationsmay be carried out in order to enhance the in vivo activity or life spanof polynucleotides of interest.

The terms “variant”, “homologue” or “derivative” in relation to anucleotide sequence include any substitution of, variation of,modification of, replacement of, deletion of or addition of one (ormore) nucleic acid from or to the sequence.

Vector

The present invention also provides a vector, or kit of vectors, whichcomprises one or more nucleic acid sequence(s) of the invention. Such avector may be used to introduce the nucleic acid sequence(s) into a hostcell so that it expresses a CAR according to the first aspect of theinvention.

The vector may, for example, be a plasmid or a viral vector, such as aretroviral vector or a lentiviral vector, or a transposon based vectoror synthetic mRNA.

The vector may be capable of transfecting or transducing a T cell or aNK cell.

Cell

The present invention also relates to a cell, such as an immune cell,comprising a CAR according to the first aspect of the invention.

The cell may comprise a nucleic acid or a vector of the presentinvention.

The cell may be a T-cell or a natural killer (NK) cell.

T cell may be T cells or T lymphocytes which are a type of lymphocytethat play a central role in cell-mediated immunity. They can bedistinguished from other lymphocytes, such as B cells and natural killercells (NK cells), by the presence of a T-cell receptor (TCR) on the cellsurface. There are various types of T cell, as summarised below.

Helper T helper cells (TH cells) assist other white blood cells inimmunologic processes, including maturation of B cells into plasma cellsand memory B cells, and activation of cytotoxic T cells and macrophages.TH cells express CD4 on their surface. TH cells become activated whenthey are presented with peptide antigens by MHC class II molecules onthe surface of antigen presenting cells (APCs). These cells candifferentiate into one of several subtypes, including TH1, TH2, TH3,TH17, Th9, or TFH, which secrete different cytokines to facilitatedifferent types of immune responses.

Cytolytic T cells (TC cells, or CTLs) destroy virally infected cells andtumor cells, and are also implicated in transplant rejection. CTLsexpress the CD8 at their surface. These cells recognize their targets bybinding to antigen associated with MHC class I, which is present on thesurface of all nucleated cells. Through IL-10, adenosine and othermolecules secreted by regulatory T cells, the CD8+ cells can beinactivated to an anergic state, which prevent autoimmune diseases suchas experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Memory T cells are a subset of antigen-specific T cells that persistlong-term after an infection has resolved. They quickly expand to largenumbers of effector T cells upon re-exposure to their cognate antigen,thus providing the immune system with “memory” against past infections.Memory T cells comprise three subtypes: central memory T cells (TCMcells) and two types of effector memory T cells (TEM cells and TEMRAcells). Memory cells may be either CD4+ or CD8+. Memory T cellstypically express the cell surface protein CD45RO.

Regulatory T cells (Treg cells), formerly known as suppressor T cells,are crucial for the maintenance of immunological tolerance. Their majorrole is to shut down T cell-mediated immunity toward the end of animmune reaction and to suppress auto-reactive T cells that escaped theprocess of negative selection in the thymus.

Two major classes of CD4+ Treg cells have been described—naturallyoccurring Treg cells and adaptive Treg cells.

Naturally occurring Treg cells (also known as CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Tregcells) arise in the thymus and have been linked to interactions betweendeveloping T cells with both myeloid (CD11c+) and plasmacytoid (CD123+)dendritic cells that have been activated with TSLP. Naturally occurringTreg cells can be distinguished from other T cells by the presence of anintracellular molecule called FoxP3. Mutations of the FOXP3 gene canprevent regulatory T cell development, causing the fatal autoimmunedisease IPEX.

Adaptive Treg cells (also known as Tr1 cells or Th3 cells) may originateduring a normal immune response.

The cell may be a Natural Killer cell (or NK cell). NK cells form partof the innate immune system. NK cells provide rapid responses to innatesignals from virally infected cells in an MHC independent manner

NK cells (belonging to the group of innate lymphoid cells) are definedas large granular lymphocytes (LGL) and constitute the third kind ofcells differentiated from the common lymphoid progenitor generating Band T lymphocytes. NK cells are known to differentiate and mature in thebone marrow, lymph node, spleen, tonsils and thymus where they thenenter into the circulation.

The CAR cells of the invention may be any of the cell types mentionedabove.

T or NK cells expressing the a CAR according to the first aspect of theinvention may either be created ex vivo either from a patient's ownperipheral blood (1st party), or in the setting of a haematopoietic stemcell transplant from donor peripheral blood (2nd party), or peripheralblood from an unconnected donor (3rd party).

Alternatively, T or NK cells expressing a CAR according to the firstaspect of the invention may be derived from ex vivo differentiation ofinducible progenitor cells or embryonic progenitor cells to T or NKcells. Alternatively, an immortalized T-cell line which retains itslytic function and could act as a therapeutic may be used.

In all these embodiments, CAR cells are generated by introducing DNA orRNA coding for the CAR by one of many means including transduction witha viral vector, transfection with DNA or RNA.

The CAR cell of the invention may be an ex vivo T or NK cell from asubject. The T or NK cell may be from a peripheral blood mononuclearcell (PBMC) sample. T or NK cells may be activated and/or expanded priorto being transduced with nucleic acid encoding a CAR according to thefirst aspect of the invention, for example by treatment with an anti-CD3monoclonal antibody.

The T or NK cell of the invention may be made by:

-   -   (i) isolation of a T or NK cell-containing sample from a subject        or other sources listed above; and    -   (ii) transduction or transfection of the T or NK cells with a        nucleic acid sequence(s) encoding a CAR of the invention.

The T or NK cells may then by purified, for example, selected on thebasis of expression of the antigen-binding domain of the antigen-bindingpolypeptide.

The present invention also provides a kit which comprises a T or NK cellcomprising a CAR according to the first aspect of the invention.

Pharmaceutical Composition

The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical compositioncontaining a plurality of cells expressing a CAR of the first aspect ofthe invention. The pharmaceutical composition may additionally comprisea pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient. Thepharmaceutical composition may optionally comprise one or more furtherpharmaceutically active polypeptides and/or compounds. Such aformulation may, for example, be in a form suitable for intravenousinfusion.

T-Cell Lymphoma and/or Leukaemia

The present invention relates to agents, cells and methods for treatinga T-cell lymphoma and/or leukaemia.

A method for treating a T-cell lymphoma and/or leukaemia relates to thetherapeutic use of an agent. Herein the agent may be administered to asubject having an existing disease of T-cell lymphoma and/or leukaemiain order to lessen, reduce or improve at least one symptom associatedwith the disease and/or to slow down, reduce or block the progression ofthe disease.

The method of the present invention may be used for the treatment of anylymphoma and/or leukaemia associated with the clonal expansion of a cellexpressing a T-cell receptor (TCR) comprising a P constant region. Assuch the present invention relates to a method for treating a diseasewhich involves malignant T cells which express a TCR comprising a TRBC.

The method of the present invention may be used to treat a T-celllymphoma in which the malignant T-cell expresses a TCR comprising aTRBC. ‘Lymphoma’ is used herein according to its standard meaning torefer to a cancer which typically develops in the lymph nodes, but mayalso affect the spleen, bone marrow, blood and other organs. Lymphomatypically presents as a solid tumour of lymphoid cells. The primarysymptom associated with lymphoma is lymphadenopathy, although secondary(B) symptoms can include fever, night sweats, weight loss, loss ofappetite, fatigue, respiratory distress and itching.

The method of the present invention may be used to treat a T-cellleukaemia in which the malignant T-cell expresses a TCR comprising aTRBC. ‘Leukaemia’ is used herein according to its standard meaning torefer to a cancer of the blood or bone marrow.

The following is an illustrative, non-exhaustive list of diseases whichmay be treated by the method of the present invention.

Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas are relatively uncommon lymphomas andaccount fewer than 10% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). However, theyare associated with an aggressive clinical course and the causes andprecise cellular origins of most T-cell lymphomas are still not welldefined.

Lymphoma usually first presents as swelling in the neck, underarm orgroin. Additional swelling may occur where other lymph nodes are locatedsuch as in the spleen. In general, enlarged lymph nodes can encroach onthe space of blood vessels, nerves, or the stomach, leading to swollenarms and legs, to tingling and numbness, or to feelings of being full,respectively. Lymphoma symptoms also include nonspecific symptoms suchas fever, chills, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, lethargy, anditching.

The WHO classification utilizes morphologic and immunophenotypicfeatures in conjunction with clinical aspects and in some instancesgenetics to delineate a prognostically and therapeutically meaningfulcategorization for peripheral T-cell lymphomas (Swerdlow et al.; WHOclassification of tumours of haematopoietic and lymphoid tissues. 4thed.; Lyon: IARC Press; 2008). The anatomic localization of neoplasticT-cells parallels in part their proposed normal cellular counterpartsand functions and as such T-cell lymphomas are associated with lymphnodes and peripheral blood. This approach allows for betterunderstanding of some of the manifestations of the T-cell lymphomas,including their cellular distribution, some aspects of morphology andeven associated clinical findings.

The most common of the T-cell lymphomas is peripheral T-cell lymphoma,not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) comprising 25% overall, followed byangioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) (18.5%)

Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma, not Otherwise Specified (PTCL-NOS)

PTCL-NOS comprises over 25% of all peripheral T-cell lymphomas andNK/T-cell lymphomas and is the most common subtype. It is determined bya diagnosis of exclusion, not corresponding to any of the specificmature T-cell lymphoma entities listed in the current WHO 2008. As suchit is analogous to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwisespecified (DLBCL-NOS).

Most patients are adults with a median age of 60 and a male to femaleratio 2:1. The majority of cases are nodal in origin, however,extranodal presentations occur in approximately 13% of patients and mostcommonly involve skin and gastrointestinal tract.

The cytologic spectrum is very broad, ranging from polymorphous tomonomorphous. Three morphologically defined variants have beendescribed, including lymphoepithelioid (Lennert) variant, T-zone variantand follicular variant. The lymphoepithelioid variant of PTCL containsabundant background epithelioid histiocytes and is commonly positive forCD8. It has been associated with a better prognosis. The follicularvariant of PTCL-NOS is emerging as a potentially distinctclinicopathologic entity.

The majority of PTCL-NOS have a mature T-cell phenotype and most casesare CD4-positive. 75% of cases show variable loss of at least one panT-cell marker (CD3, CD2, CD5 or CD7), with CD7 and CD5 being most oftendownregulated. CD30 and rarely CD15 can be expressed, with CD15 being anadverse prognostic feature. CD56 expression, although uncommon, also hasnegative prognostic impact. Additional adverse pathologic prognosticfactors include a proliferation rate greater than 25% based on KI-67expression, and presence of more than 70% transformed cells.Immunophenotypic analysis of these lymphomas has offered little insightinto their biology.

Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma (AITL)

AITL is a systemic disease characterized by a polymorphous infiltrateinvolving lymph nodes, prominent high endothelial venules (HEV) andperi-vascular expansion of follicular dendritic cell (FDC) meshworks.AITL is considered as a de-novo T-cell lymphoma derived from αβ T-cellsof follicular helper type (TFH), normally found in the germinal centres.

AITL is the second most common entity among peripheral T-cell lymphomaand NK/T-cell lymphomas, comprising about 18.5% of cases. It occurs inmiddle aged to elderly adults, with a median age of 65 years old, and anapproximately equal incidence in males and females. Clinically, patientsusually have advanced stage disease, with generalized lymphadenopathy,hepatosplenomegaly and prominent constitutional symptoms. Skin rash withassociated pruritus is commonly present. There is often polyclonalhypergammaglobulinemia, associated with autoimmune phenomena.

Three different morphologic patterns are described in AITL. The earlylesion of AITL (Pattern I) usually shows preserved architecture withcharacteristic hyperplastic follicles. The neoplastic proliferation islocalized to the periphery of the follicles. In Pattern II the nodalarchitecture is partially effaced with retention of few regressedfollicles. The subcapsular sinuses are preserved and even dilated. Theparacortex contains arborizing HEV and there is a proliferation of FDCbeyond the B-cell follicle. The neoplastic cells are small to medium insize, with minimal cytologic atypia. They often have clear to palecytoplasm, and may show distincT-cell membranes. A polymorphousinflammatory background is usually evident.

Although AITL is a T-cell malignancy, there is a characteristicexpansion of B-cells and plasma cells, which likely reflects thefunction of the neoplastic cells as TFH cells. Both EBV-positive andEBV-negative B-cells are present. Occasionally, the atypical B-cells mayresemble Hodgkin/Reed-Stemberg-like cells morphologically andimmunophenotypically, sometimes leading to a diagnostic confusion withthat entity. The B-cell proliferation in AITL may be extensive and somepatients develop secondary EBV-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphomas(DLBCL) or—more rarely—EBV-negative B-cell tumors, often withplasmacytic differentiation.

The neoplastic CD4-positive T-cells of AITL show strong expression ofCD10 and CD279 (PD-1) and are positive for CXCL13. CXCL13 leads to anincreased B-cell recruitment to lymph nodes via adherence to the HEV,B-cell activation, plasmacytic differentiation and expansion of the FDCmeshworks, all contributing to the morphologic and clinical features ofAITL. Intense PD-1-expression in the perifollicular tumor cells isparticularly helpful in distinguishing AITL Pattern I from reactivefollicular and paracortical hyperplasia.

The follicular variant of PTCL-NOS is another entity with a TFHphenotype. In contradistinction to AITL, it does not have prominent HEVor extra-follicular expansion of FDC meshworks. The neoplastic cells mayform intrafollicular aggregates, mimicking B-cell follicular lymphoma,but also can have interfollicular growth pattern or involve expandedmantle zones. Clinically, the follicular variant of PTCL-NOS is distinctfrom AITL as patients more often present with early stage disease withpartial lymph node involvement and may lack the constitutional symptomsassociated with AITL.

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL)

ALCL may be subdivided as ALCL-‘anaplastic lymphoma kinase’ (ALK)+ orALCL-ALK−.

ALCL-ALK+ is one of the best-defined entities within the peripheralT-cell lymphomas, with characteristic “hallmark cells” bearinghorseshoe-shaped nuclei and expressing ALK and CD30. It accounts forabout 7% of all peripheral T-cell and NK-cell lymphomas and is mostcommon in the first three decades of life. Patients often present withlymphadenopathy, but the involvement of extranodal sites (skin, bone,soft tissues, lung, liver) and B symptoms is common.

ALCL, ALK+ shows a wide morphologic spectrum, with 5 different patternsdescribed, but all variants contain some hallmark cells. Hallmark cellshave eccentric horseshoe- or kidney-shaped nuclei, and a prominentperinuclear eosinophilic Golgi region. The tumour cells grow in acohesive pattern with predilection for sinus involvement. Smaller tumourcells predominate in the small cell variant, and in thelymphohistiocytic variant abundant histiocytes mask the presence oftumour cells, many of which are small.

By definition, all cases show ALK and CD30 positivity, with expressionusually weaker in the smaller tumour cells. There is often loss ofpan-T-cell markers, with 75% of cases lacking surface expression of CD3.

ALK expression is a result of a characteristic recurrent geneticalteration consisting of a rearrangement of ALK gene on chromosome 2p23to one of the many partner genes, resulting in an expression of chimericprotein. The most common partner gene, occurring in 75% of cases, isNucleophosmin (NPM1) on chromosome 5q35, resulting in t(2;5)(p23;q35).The cellular distribution of ALK in different translocation variants mayvary depending on the partner gene.

ALCL-ALK− is included as a provisional category in the 2008 WHOclassification. It is defined as a CD30 positive T-cell lymphoma that ismorphologically indistinguishable from ALCL-ALK+ with a cohesive growthpattern and presence of hallmark cells, but lacking ALK proteinexpression.

Patients are usually adults between the ages of 40 and 65, in contrastto ALCL-ALK+, which is more common in children and young adults.ALCL-ALK− can involve both lymph nodes and extranodal tissues, althoughthe latter is seen less commonly than in ALCL-ALK+. Most cases ofALCL-ALK− demonstrate effacement of lymph node architecture by sheets ofcohesive neoplastic cells with typical “hallmark” features. In contrastto the ALCL-ALK+, the small cell morphologic variant is not recognized.

Unlike its ALK+ counterpart, ALCL-ALK− shows a greater preservation ofsurface T-cell marker expression, while the expression of cytotoxicmarkers and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) is less likely. Geneexpression signatures and recurrent chromosomal imbalances are differentin ALCL-ALK− and ALCL-ALK+, confirming that they are distinct entitiesat a molecular and genetic level.

ALCL-ALK− is clinically distinct from both ALCL-ALK+ and PTCL-NOS, withsignificant differences in prognosis among these three differententities. The 5 year overall survival of ALCL-ALK− is reported as 49%which is not as good as that of ALCL-ALK+ (at 70%), but at the same timeit is significantly better than that of PTCL-NOS (32%).

Enteropathy-Associated T-Cell Lymphoma (EATL)

EATL is an aggressive neoplasm which thought to be derived from theintraepithelial T-cells of the intestine. Two morphologically,immunohistochemically and genetically distinct types of EATL arerecognized in the 2008 WHO classification: Type I (representing themajority of EATL) and Type II (comprising 10-20% of cases). Type I EATLis usually associated with overt or clinically silent gluten-sensitiveenteropathy, and is more often seen in patients of Northern Europeanextraction due to high prevalence of celiac disease in this population.

Most commonly, the lesions of EATL are found in the jejunum or ileum(90% of cases), with rare presentations in duodenum, colon, stomach, orareas outside of the gastrointestinal tract. The intestinal lesions areusually multifocal with mucosal ulceration. Clinical course of EATL isaggressive with most patients dying of disease or complications ofdisease within 1 year.

The cytological spectrum of EATL type I is broad, and some cases maycontain anaplastic cells. There is a polymorphous inflammatorybackground, which may obscure the neoplastic component in some cases.The intestinal mucosa in regions adjacent to the tumour often showsfeatures of celiac disease with blunting of the villi and increasednumbers of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL), which may representlesional precursor cells.

By immunohistochemistry, the neoplastic cells are oftenCD3+CD4−CD8−CD7+CD5−CD56−βF1+, and contain cytotoxic granule-associatedproteins (TIA-1, granzyme B, perforin). CD30 is partially expressed inalmost all cases. CD103, which is a mucosal homing receptor, can beexpressed in EATL.

Type II EATL, also referred to as monomorphic CD56+ intestinal T-celllymphoma, is defined as an intestinal tumour composed of small- tomedium-sized monomorphic T-cells that express both CD8 and CD56. Thereis often a lateral spread of tumour within the mucosa, and absence of aninflammatory background. The majority of cases express the γδ TCR,however there are cases associated with the αβ TCR.

Type II EATL has a more world-wide distribution than Type I EATL and isoften seen in Asians or Hispanic populations, in whom celiac disease israre. In individuals of European descent EATL, II represents about 20%of intestinal T-cell lymphomas, with a history of celiac disease in atleast a subset of cases. The clinical course is aggressive.

Hepatosplenic T-Cell Lymphoma (HSTL)

HSTL is an aggressive systemic neoplasm generally derived from γδcytotoxic T-cells of the innate immune system, however, it may also bederived from as T-cells in rare cases. It is one of the rarest T-celllymphomas, and typically affects adolescents and young adults (medianage, 35 years) with a strong male predominance.

Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma Nasal Type

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, is an aggressive disease,often with destructive midline lesions and necrosis. Most cases are ofNK-cell derivation, but some cases are derived from cytotoxic T-cells.It is universally associated with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV).

Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

The method of the present invention may also be used to treat cutaneousT-cell lymphoma.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is characterised by migration ofmalignant T-cells to the skin, which causes various lesions to appear.These lesions change shape as the disease progresses, typicallybeginning as what appears to be a rash and eventually forming plaquesand tumours before metastasizing to other parts of the body.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas include those mentioned in the followingillustrative, non-exhaustive list; mycosis fungoides, pagetoidreticulosis, Sézary syndrome, granulomatous slack skin, lymphomatoidpapulosis, pityriasis lichenoides chronica, CD30+ cutaneous T-celllymphoma, secondary cutaneous CD30+ large cell lymphoma, non-mycosisfungoides CD30− cutaneous large T-cell lymphoma, pleomorphic T-celllymphoma, Lennert lymphoma, subcutaneous T-cell lymphoma andangiocentric lymphoma.

The signs and symptoms of CTCL vary depending on the specific disease,of which the two most common types are mycosis fungoides and Sézarysyndrome. Classic mycosis fungoides is divided into three stages:

Patch (atrophic or nonatrophic): Nonspecific dermatitis, patches onlower trunk and buttocks; minimal/absent pruritus;

Plaque: Intensely pruritic plaques, lymphadenopathy; and Tumor Prone toulceration

Sézary syndrome is defined by erythroderma and leukemia. Signs andsymptoms include edematous skin, lymphadenopathy, palmar and/or plantarhyperkeratosis, alopecia, nail dystrophy, ectropion andhepatosplenomegaly.

Of all primary cutaneous lymphomas, 65% are of the T-cell type. The mostcommon immunophenotype is CD4 positive. There is no commonpathophysiology for these diseases, as the term cutaneous T-celllymphoma encompasses a wide variety of disorders.

The primary etiologic mechanisms for the development of cutaneous T-celllymphoma (ie, mycosis fungoides) have not been elucidated. Mycosisfungoides may be preceded by a T-cell-mediated chronic inflammatory skindisease, which may occasionally progress to a fatal lymphoma.

Primary Cutaneous ALCL (C-ALCL)

C-ALCL is often indistinguishable from ALC-ALK− by morphology. It isdefined as a cutaneous tumour of large cells with anaplastic,pleomorphic or immunoblastic morphology with more than 75% of cellsexpressing CD30. Together with lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP), C-ALCLbelongs to the spectrum of primary cutaneous CD30-positive T-celllymphoproliferative disorders, which as a group comprise the second mostcommon group of cutaneous T-cell lymphoproliferations after mycosisfungoides.

The immunohistochemical staining profile is quite similar to ALCL-ALK−,with a greater proportion of cases staining positive for cytotoxicmarkers. At least 75% of the tumour cells should be positive for CD30.CD15 may also be expressed, and when lymph node involvement occurs, thedifferential with classical Hodgkin lymphoma can be difficult. Rarecases of ALCL-ALK+ may present with localized cutaneous lesions, and mayresemble C-ALCL.

T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) accounts for about 15% and25% of ALL in paediatric and adult cohorts respectively. Patientsusually have high white blood cell counts and may present withorganomegaly, particularly mediastinal enlargement and CNS involvement.

The method of the present invention may be used to treat T-ALL which isassociated with a malignant T cell which expresses a TCR comprising aTRBC.

T-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukaemia

T-cell-prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a mature T-cell leukaemia withaggressive behaviour and predilection for blood, bone marrow, lymphnodes, liver, spleen, and skin involvement. T-PLL primarily affectsadults over the age of 30. Other names include T-cell chroniclymphocytic leukaemia, “knobby” type of T-cell leukaemia, andT-prolymphocytic leukaemia/T-cell lymphocytic leukaemia.

In the peripheral blood, T-PLL consists of medium-sized lymphocytes withsingle nucleoli and basophilic cytoplasm with occasional blebs orprojections. The nuclei are usually round to oval in shape, withoccasional patients having cells with a more irregular nuclear outlinethat is similar to the cerebriform nuclear shape seen in Sezarysyndrome. A small cell variant comprises 20% of all T-PLL cases, and theSezary cell-like (cerebriform) variant is seen in 5% of cases.

T-PLL has the immunophenotype of a mature (post-thymic) T-lymphocyte,and the neoplastic cells are typically positive for pan-T antigens CD2,CD3, and CD7 and negative for TdT and CD1a. The immunophenotypeCD4+/CD8− is present in 60% of cases, the CD4+/CD8+ immunophenotype ispresent in 25%, and the CD4−/CD8+ immunophenotype is present in 15% ofcases

Pharmaceutical Composition

The method of the present invention may comprise the step ofadministering the agent in the form of a pharmaceutical composition.

The agent may be administered with a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier, diluent, excipient or adjuvant. The choice of pharmaceuticalcarrier, excipient or diluent can be selected with regard to theintended route of administration and standard pharmaceutical practice.The pharmaceutical compositions may comprise as (or in addition to) thecarrier, excipient or diluent, any suitable binder(s), lubricant(s),suspending agent(s), coating agent(s), solubilising agent(s), and othercarrier agents.

Administration

The administration of the agent can be accomplished using any of avariety of routes that make the active ingredient bioavailable. Forexample, the agent can be administered by oral and parenteral routes,intraperitoneally, intravenously, subcutaneously, transcutaneously,intramuscularly, via local delivery for example by catheter or stent.

Typically, a physician will determine the actual dosage which will bemost suitable for an individual subject and it will vary with the age,weight and response of the particular patient. The dosage is such thatit is sufficient to reduce or deplete the number of clonal T-cellsexpressing either TRBC1 or TRBC2.

Use

The present invention also provides an agent for use in treating aT-cell lymphoma according to the method of the first aspect. The agentmay be any agent as defined above.

The present invention also relates to the use of an agent as definedabove in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a T-celllymphoma according to the method of the first aspect.

Kit

The present invention further provides a kit comprising an agent asdefined above for use in the treatment of a T-cell lymphoma according tothe method of the first aspect.

The kit may also comprise a reagent(s) suitable for determining the TRBCof a malignant T-cell. For example the kit may comprise PCR primers oran antibody (antibodies) which are specific for either TRBC1 or TRBC2.

Method for Determining T-Cell Lymphoma and/or Leukaemia

The present invention further relates to a method for determining thepresence of a T-cell lymphoma or leukaemia in a subject which comprisesthe step of determining the proportion of T-cells in a sample from asubject which are either TRBC1 or TRBC2 positive.

T-cell lymphomas involve the clonal expansion of individual malignantT-cells. As such the presence of a T-cell lymphoma in a subject may beidentified by determining the proportion of either TRBC1 or TRBC2T-cells in a sample derived from a patient.

The sample may be a peripheral blood sample, a lymph sample or a sampletaken directly from a tumour e.g. a biopsy sample.

The proportion of total T-cells which are TRBC1 or TRBC2 positive whichindicates the presence of a T-cell lymphoma or leukaemia may be, forexample 80, 85, 90, 95, 98 or 99% of a total population of cells.

The method may involve determining infiltration by a distinct populationof T-cells in a biopsy or a sample. Herein, the presence of a T-celllymphoma or leukaemia is indicated where 80, 85, 90, 95, 98 or 99% of atotal population of T cells in the sample are either TRBC1 or TRBC2.

The total T-cells in a sample may identified by determining the numberof cells in the sample which express CD3, CD4, CD8 and/or CD45. Acombination of these markers may also be used.

The proportion of total T cells in a sample which express either TRBC1or TRBC2 may be determined using methods which are known in the art, forexample flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry or fluorescent microscopy.

The invention will now be further described by way of Examples, whichare meant to serve to assist one of ordinary skill in the art incarrying out the invention and are not intended in any way to limit thescope of the invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1—Discrimination of TRBC1 and TRBC2-Expressing Cells

The JOVI-1 antibody has been previously disclosed by Viney et al.(Hybridoma: 1992: 11(6); 701-713) and is available commercially (Abcam,ab5465). The present inventors determined that JOVI-1 is able todiscriminate cells based on specific expression of TRBC1 or TRBC2.

The inventors generated two plasmid vectors supplying the completevariable and constant regions of the TCR, differing only in expressionof either TRBC1 or TRBC2. These plasmids were used to generateretroviral supernatant by transient transfection of 293T-cells. Thissupernatant was used to stably transduce Jurkats TCR-knockout T-cells (aT-ALL cell line with a mutation at the TCR beta chain locus precludingexpression of this chain, and thereby the entire surface TCR/CD3complex). This resulted in the production of cell lines which wereidentical other than expression of either TRBC1 or TRBC2. Staining ofthese cell lines revealed full expression of the surface TCR/CD3complex, and that only cells expressing TRBC1 stained with the JOVI-1antibody (FIG. 4 ).

Example 2—Normal Donor CD4+ and CD8+ T-Cells Contain SeparateTRBC1-Positive and TRBC1-Negative Populations

The inventors tested the JOVI-1 antibody on primary human T-cells ofnormal donors. These analyses revealed that all donors had a proportionof both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells which expressed TRBC1 and a proportion ofeach which did not. Approximately 20-50% of normal CD4+ and CD8+ T-cellsare TRBC1 +ve (FIGS. 6 and 7 ).

Example 3—Clonal T-Cell Lines Expressing TCR are TRBC1 Positive orNegative

Cell lines are derived from an original clonal tumour population in apatient. Staining of T-cell lines expressing TCR reveals that T-cellsexpress either TRBC1 or TRBC2, confirming this as a marker of clonality.Of three T-cell lines tested, Jurkats cells (known to be TRBC1+) and notHPB-ALL or HD-Mar-2 (known to be TRBC2+) cells stain with JOVI-1,supporting exclusive expression of either TRBC1 or 2 (FIG. 8 ).

Example 4—Primary Clonal T-Cell in Patients with T-ProlymphocycticLeukaemia are TRBC1 Positive or Negative

Clonal T-cells extracted from peripheral blood of patients withT-prolymphocyctic leukaemia (T-PLL) are either uniformly TRBC1 positiveor TRBC1 negative.

Example 5—the Effect of Mutation of the Residues that are Unique toTCBC1

Plasmid vectors, coding for TCRs which are identical, except for hybridTRBC1/2 mutations in the TCR β chain constant region, were generated.Analysis showed that JOVI-1 recognizes differences in residues atpositions 3 and 4 of TCR β constant chain indicating that these residuesare accessible to antibody recognition and are likely the best targetsto generate agents discriminating TRBC1 from TRBC2 or TRBC2 from TRBC1(FIG. 5 ).

Example 6—Specific Lysis of TRBC1 but not TRBC2 TCR Expressing T-Cells

Wild-type Jurkat T-cells (CD34-, TRBC1+) were mixed with TCRαβ knock-outJurkat T-cells transduced with TRBC2 co-expressed with the CD34 markergene (CD34+TRBC2+). These cells were incubated with JOVI-1 alone orincubated with JOVI-1 and complement for 1 hour. Cells were washed andstained for CD34, Annexin V and 7-AAD. Cells were analysed byflow-cytometry.

CD34 expression in the live population as defined by Annexin-V negativeand 71AAD dim population is shown in FIGS. 9A-9B. Selective killing ofTRBC1 T-cells (CD34-) was observed (FIGS. 9A-9B).

Wild-type Jurkat T-cells are naturally TRBC1+ and do not express thetruncated CD34 marker gene. As described above the inventors derived aTRBC2+ Jurkat line by transducing TCRαβ knock-out Jurkat T-cells with aretroviral vector which codes for a TRBC2 TCR as well as the truncatedCD34 marker gene. These T-cells were then mixed together. Next, theinventors incubated the T cells with either JOVI-1 alone or with JOVI-1and complement for 1 hour. Conveniently, the inventors coulddiscriminate TRBC1 and 2 populations by staining for the CD34 markergene and thus avoided failing to detect TRBC1 TCRs due to TCRinternalization after prolonged exposure to anti-TCR mAb. Cells werewashed and stained for CD34, Annexin V and 7-AAD. The cells wereanalysed by flow-cytometry. By gating on live cells (i.e. cells whichwere Annexin V negative and 7-AAD dim), the inventors could determinethat TRBC1 T-cells were selectively killed by JOVI-1 in the presence ofcomplement (FIGS. 9A-9B).

Example 7—Polyclonal Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) Specific T-Cells can beSplit into Two Approximately Equal TRBC1/2 Populations

Peripheral blood T-cells were drawn from a normal blood donor.

Mononuclear cells were isolated and most of the cells werecryopreserved. A small number of cells were infected with a laboratorystrain of EBV (B95-8). Over some weeks, an immortalized EBV infectedcell line, known as a lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) emerged. Such acell line is known to present a large collection of different EBVantigens. The previously cryopreserved mononuclear cells were thawed andrepeatedly stimulated with this LCL line weekly for 4 weeks in thepresence of IL2. This process selectively expands EBV specific T-cellsfrom the peripheral blood mononuclear population. It is also known thatsuch a process results in a polyclonal line where >90% of the T-cellsare EBV specific and represents the donor's EBV immune system. Thespecificity of this line is checked by showing a high degree of killingof autologous LCLs but not allogeneic LCLs or K562 cells (FIG. 10A).This cell line was then stained with JOVI-1 and shown to contain anapproximately equal mixture of TRBC1 and TRBC2 T-cells (FIG. 10B).

Thus, if a therapeutic agent was administered which depleted either theTRBC1 or TRBC2 compartment, an adequate EBV immunity would remain. SinceEBV immunity is regarded as a model system for an immune response it isreasonable to postulate that immunity to other pathogens would beequally conserved.

Example 8—JOV1 Staining of a Circulating Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma

The hypothesis was that T-cell lymphomas, being clonal, would expresseither TRB1 or TRBC2 T-cell receptors, while normal T-cells beingpolyclonal would comprise of a population of T-cells which are a mixtureof those that have TRBC1 or TRBC2. To demonstrate this, a blood sampleof a T-cell lymphoma from a patient whose lymphoma was circulating inperipheral blood was obtained. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells wereisolated and stained with a panel of antibodies which included CD5 andJOVI1. The total T-cell population (which contains both lymphoma andnormal T-cells) was first identified. This population was comprised ofT-cells with normal (bright) CD5 expression and T-cells withintermediate/dim CD5 expression. The former represent normal T-cells,while the latter represent the lymphoma. JOVI-1 binding was investigatednext and the results are shown in FIG. 12 .

The CD5 intermediate and dim populations (the tumour) were all TRBC2positive.

Example 9—Elucidation of the VH/VL Sequences of JOVI-1

Using 5′ RACE with primers which anneal to the constant regions of mouseIgG CH1 and the constant region of mouse kappa, we isolated a singlefunctional VH sequence and a single functional VL sequence from thehybridoma JOVI-1. Sequences of the VH and VL are SEQ ID 1 and 2respectively (see above). An annotated sequence of VH and VL is shown inFIG. 11 .

These VH and VL sequences were cloned back in frame with mouse IgG heavychain and kappa light chain respectively. In addition, the VH and VLwere fused to form a single-chain variable fragment (scFv), this wasfused to the hinge-CH2-CH3 region of mouse IgG2a to create a scFv-Fv.The amino acid sequence of the scFv is given in the Detailed Descriptionas SEQ ID No. 3. Recombinant antibody and recombinant scFv-Fc weregenerated by transfection into 293T cells. Along with JOVI-1 from thehybridoma, the following cells were stained: Jurkats with TCR knockedout; wild-type Jurkats; Jurkat TCR knock out transduced with TRBC1co-expressed with eBFP2 and Jurkat TCR knock-out transduced with TRBC2co-expressed with eBFP2. Both recombinant antibody and scFv-Fc derivedfrom JOVI bound TRBC2 confirming that we had identified the correctVHNL, and that JOVI-1 VHNL can fold as a scFv. This binding data isshown in FIG. 13 .

Example 10—Function of JOVI-1 Based CAR

The JOVI-1 scFv was cloned into CAR formats. To elucidate which spacerlength would result in the optimal JOVI-1 based CAR, 3^(rd) generationCARs were generated with either a human Fc spacer, a human CD8 stalkspacer or with a spacer derived from an IgG1 hinge (FIG. 4 ). Primaryhuman T-cells from normal donors were transduced with these CARs andkilling of Jurkats and Jurkats with TCR knocked-out were compared. CARswith JOVI-1 scFvs which had either an IgG1 hinge spacer or a CD8 stalkspacer killed Jurkats, but not Jurkats with TCR knockout (FIG. 5 ),demonstrating the expected specificity. Since the normal donor T-cellstransduced with the CARs should have a mixture of TRB1/2 T-cells, it wasexpected that the cultures would “self-purge”. Indeed, this wasobserved. JOVI-1 staining of the CAR T-cell cultures which become 100%TRBC2 negative in shown in FIG. 6 .

Materials & Methods Demonstration of Specificity of JOVI-1

A tri-cistronic retroviral cassette was generated which coded for a wellcharacterized human TCR as well as a convenient marker gene. The codingsequences for the TCRα and β chains were generated using de-novo genesynthesis from overlapping oligonucleotides. These chains were connectedin frame to a foot-and-mouth disease 2A peptide to allow co-expression.The truncated CD34 marker gene was cloned from cDNA by PCR andco-expressed with the TCR chains using an internal ribosome entrysequence (IRES). This cassette was introduced into a retroviral vector.Variants of this construct were generated by splice by over-lap PCR withprimers which introduced the desired mutations. The veracity of theconstructs was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The Jurkat 76 line is awell characterized derivate of the Jurkat T-cell line which has both TCRα and β chains knocked out. This Jurkat line was transduced with theabove retroviral vectors using standard techniques.

Staining and Analysis of Jurkats, Peripheral Blood T-Cells and CellLines

Jurkats were obtained from ECACC and engineered as detailed above.

Other T-cell lines were also obtained from ECACC. Peripheral blood wasdrawn by venopunture from normal donors. Blood was ficolled to isolatemononuclear cells. Cells were stained with JOVI-1 as well ascommercially available monoclonal antibodies which recognize all TCRsand CD3. In the case of engineered T-cells, cells were stained withantibodies which recognize CD34. In case of peripheral blood mononuclearcells, cells were stained with antibodies which recognize CD4 and CD8.The antibodies were purchased conjugated with suitable fluorophores sothat independent fluorescent signals could be obtained while analyzingthe cells with a flow-cytometer.

Demonstration of Specific Lysis of TRBC1 T-Cells

Wild-type Jurkat T-cells (TRBC1—TCR), and Jurkat T-cells TCR KO withTRBC2 TCR introduced were mixed together at a ratio of 1:1. This mixtureof Jurkats was then incubated with JOVI-1 monoclonal antibody at 1 ug/mlin the absence or presence of complement. Four hours later, cells werestained with Annexin-V and 7AAD and CD34. Conveniently, the marker geneCD34 can distinguish between wild-type (TRBC1) and transgenic (TRBC2)Jurkats. Cell populations were analysed by flow-cytometry. Live cellswere selectively studied by gating on flow cytometric events which arenegative for Annexin-V and dim for 7AAD. In this way, the survival oftransgenic (TRBC2) vs wild-type (TRBC1) T-cells was studied.

Example 11—Investigating the Clonality of T-Cell LymphoproliferativeDisorders

Four patients: three with T-cell large granular lymphocytelymphoproliferative disorder (T-LGL); and one with peripheral T-celllymphoma (PCTL) were tested to confirm that malignant cells wereuniformly either TRBC1 positive or negative.

Whole blood or bone marrow was collected from patients withT-lymphoproliferative orders. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)were obtained by Ficoll gradient centrifugation. Freshly obtained PBMCswere pelleted and stained for 20 minutes with appropriate pre-conjugatedantibodies. The cells were then washed and resuspended in phosphatebuffered saline for immediate flow cytometric analysis on BD LSRFortessa II. Live lymphocytes were identified by FSc/SSc properties andfailure to uptake a dead cell discriminating dye. T-cells wereidentified by staining with anti-TCR alpha/beta antibody. Tumour andnormal T-cell populations were identified using appropriate cell surfacestains for each sample, based upon immunophenotype previously identifiedby clinical laboratory analysis.

The results are shown in FIGS. 18 to 21B.

In patient A (T-LGL, FIG. 18 ), normal T-cells were CD7bright andcontained mixed CD4/CD8 cells, and a mixed population of TRBC1 or TRBC1−cells. In contrast, malignant cells were CD7− or CD7dim, were uniformlyCD8+CD4−, and were uniformly TRBC1−.

In patient B (T-LGL, FIG. 19 ), malignant cells were identified by CD4−,CD8+, CD7+ CD57+ and were clonally TRBC1- (highlighted panel). NormalCD4+CD8− and CD4−CD8+ T-cells contained TRBC1+ and TRBC1− populations.

In patient C (T-LGL, FIG. 20 ), normal CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells populationswere 30-40% TRBC1+. Malignant cells were identified by CD4−, CD8+, CD7+CD57+ and were clonally TRBC1+ (highlighted panel, note 84% of cells areTRBC1 − remaining 16% likely to be contaminating ‘normal’ T-cells).Normal CD4+CD8− and CD4−CD8+ T-cells contained TRBC1+ and TRBC1−populations.

In patient D (PTCL-NOS, FIGS. 21A-21B), malignant cells in the bonemarrow, identified on the basis of FSChigh CD5dim CD4dim, were uniformlyTRBC1+, whereas CD4+CD8− and CD4−CD8+ T-cells contained both TRBC1+ andTRBC1− populations.

Example 12—Generation of Monoclonal Human Antibodies which DistinguishBetween the Two Isoforms of the T-Cell Receptor β Chain Constant DomainUsing Phage Display

In order to generate antibodies which distinguished between TRBC2 andTRBC1 peptide fragments covering the region of difference between thetwo TRBC isoforms were synthesised. Of the four amino acid differencesbetween TRBC2 and TRBC1, two are found at the beginning of the constantdomains. Peptides (see below) representing these regions weresynthesised and used for antibody generation.

(SEQ ID No. 36) TRBC2 VLEDLKNVFPPEVAV (SEQ ID No. 37) TRBC1VLEDLNKVFPPEVAV

These peptides were prepared in biotinylated, non-biotinylated andcysteine modified forms (by addition of a C terminal cysteine). Thecysteine modified forms of TRBC1 and TRBC2 were subsequently conjugatedto modified bovine serum albumin (Imm-Link BSA, Innova 462-001) orovalbumin (Imm-Link Ovalbumin, Innova 461-001) according tomanufacturers recommended conditions.

Results Antibody Phage Display Selections

A human phage display library was constructed and phage selectionscarried out as described in as described in (Schofield et al., 2007Genome Biol 8, R254). In order to identify TRBC1 and TRBC2 specificantibodies from the antibody library, multiple rounds of phage displayselections were carried out. Two phage selection strategies were used inparallel to maximise the chance of generating a large panel of specificbinders. These strategies are known as solid phase and solution phaseselections (FIGS. 21A-21B). In solid phase selections, phage antibodiesare allowed to bind to the target antigen immobilised on a solid surface(Schofield et al., 2007, as above). In solution phase selections, phageantibodies binds to the biotinylated antigen in solution and the phageantibody-antigen complex is then captured by streptavidin or neutravidincoated paramagnetic beads. Within the solid phase selection strategy,two different immobilisation or antigen presentation approaches wereemployed. Using the first approach, TRBC peptides conjugated to bovineserum albumin (BSA) or ovalbumin (OA) were immobilised on Maxisorp™immunotubes via direct adsorption. Using the second approach,biotinylated TRBC peptides were immobilised indirectly on Maxisorp™immunotubes tubes that were pre-coated with streptavidin or neutravidin.

In order to select antibodies that are specific to the desired peptide,all selections were carried out in presence of an excess of the opposingpeptide. For example, all TRBC1 selections were carried out in thepresence of a 10-fold molar excess of non-biotinylated TRBC2. Thismethod is known as ‘deselection’ and it was expected to depleteantibodies that recognise shared epitopes on both TRBC peptides as thesepreferentially bind to the excess TRBC2 in solution. In order to avoidenriching for antibody clones that bind to the carrier protein (BSA orOA) or the immobilisation partner (streptavidin or neutravidin fromThermo fisher scientific) two strategies were employed in combination.

The first strategy was to switch the conjugation or immobilisationpartner between rounds of selection. For directly immobilised peptidesthe first round of selections were carried out on BSA-peptide and forround-2 OA-peptide conjugate was used. Similarly, biotinylated TRBCpeptides were immobilised on streptavidin for the round-1 andneutravidin was used for immobilisation in round-2.

The second strategy was to deplete the phage library of any binders tothe conjugation/immobilisation partner by performing a ‘deselection’ inround-1. For directly immobilised peptides, ‘deselection was performedby carrying out the phage-peptide binding step in the presence of10-fold molar excess of free BSA in solution. In the case ofbiotinylated peptides immobilised on streptavidin, the phage library waspre-incubated with streptavidin coated paramagnetic beads. The beadswere removed prior to the addition of the phage to antigen tubes therebylimiting the entry streptavidin binders into the selection. Thedifferent selection conditions used are summarised in FIGS. 21A-21B. SeeTable 3 for detailed information on selection conditions.

Polyclonal phage prepared from round-2 selection output was tested inELISA using various presentations of the peptides or the supportproteins. This included TRBC peptides directly immobilised as either BSAor OA conjugates or biotinylated peptides indirectly immobilised onstreptavidin or neutravidin. Control proteins included werestreptavidin, neutravidin, BSA and an irrelevant antigen. Phage bindingwas detected using a mouse anti-M13 antibody (GE healthcare) followed byan anti-mouse Fc antibody labelled with Europium (Perkin Elmers) usingtime resolved fluorescence (FIGS. 22A-22C). This result demonstrated thepreferential binding of polyclonal phage populations to the respectiveTRBC peptide (as compared to the opposing TRBC peptide). For example,polyclonal phage prepared from TRBC1 selections showed significantlyhigher binding signal to TRBC1 than TRBC2 and vice versa. There waslimited or no binding to the immobilisation or conjugation partners andthe irrelevant antigen.

Single Chain Antibody (scFv) Sub-Cloning and Monoclonal Screening

The scFv populations from round-2 and round-3 selection outputs weresub-cloned into the pSANG10-3F expression vector and transformed into E.coli BL21 (DE3) cells. 1128 individual transformants (564 clones/TRBCpeptide) were picked into 12×96 well culture plates (94 clones/plate)and antibody expression was induced using autoinduction media.Recombinant monoclonal antibodies secreted into culture supernatantafter overnight induction were tested for binding to biotinylated TRBC1and TRBC2 immobilised on neutravidin coated Nunc Maxisorp™ 96 wellplates. Out of the 564 clones screened from the TRBC1 selections, 255clones were found to be specific for TRBC1 (>10000 TRF units for TRBC1and <1000 TRF units for TRBC2). 138 TRBC2 specific binders (>10000 TRFunits for TRBC2 and <2000 TRF units for TRBC1) were identified from the564 clones screened from the TRBC2 selections. FIGS. 24A-24B shows arepresentative binding profile from a single 96 well plate arising fromselection on either TRBC1 (FIG. 24A) or TRBC2 (FIG. 24B). The details ofspecific binders generated using different selection conditions issummarised in Table 5.

142 and 138 specific binders were picked from the TRBC1 and TRBC2selections respectively for sequence analysis and furthercharacterisation. Sequences of cherry-picked clones were generated bySanger sequencing using BigDye® terminator v3.1 cycle sequencing kit(Life technologies). DNA sequences were analysed to determine proteinsequence and the CDRs of the VH and VL domains were identified. Analysisof the VH and VL CDR3 regions identified 74 unique TRBC1 and 42 uniqueTRBC2 clones (where unique is defined as any combination of VH CDR3 andVL CDR3 sequence). The TRBC-specific clones and their VH CDR3 and VLCDR3 sequences are summarised in Table 1 above. The TRBC2-specificclones and their VH CDR3 and VL CDR3 sequences are summarised in Table 2above.

TABLE 3A Details of solid phase TRBC selections Solid phase selectionsRound 1 Round 2 Selection Antigen deselection deselection antigen No. ofrounds concentration Immobilisation antigens antigens BSA TRBC1 2 10ug/ml Direct BSA (100 ug/mi), TRBC2 (30 (Round 1), TRBC2 (30 μM) μM) OATRBC1 (Round 2) BSA TRBC2 2 10 ug/ml Direct BSA (100 ug/mi), TRBC1 (30(Round 1), TRBC1 (30 μM) μM) OA TRBC2 (Round 2) Bio-TRBC1 2  3 μg/mlStreptavidin Streptavidin Neutravidin (Round 1&2) beads (Round beads,TRBC2 beads, 1), Neutravidin (30 μg/ml) TRBC2 (Round 2) (30 μg/ml)Bio-TRBC2 2  3 μg/ml Streptavidin Streptavidin Neutravidin (Round 1&2)beads (Round beads, TRBC1 beads, 1), Neutravidin (30 μg/ml) TRBC1 (Round2) (30 μg/ml)

TABLE 3B Details of solution phase TRBC selections Solution phaseselections Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Selection No. of Antigen deselectiondeselection deselection antigen rounds concentration antigens antigensantigens Bio-TRBC1 3 500 nM Streptavidin Streptavidin Neutravidin (Roundbeads, TRBC2 beads, TRBC2 beads, TRBC2 1,2&3) (5 μM) (5 μM) (5 μM)Bio-TRBC2 3 500 nM Streptavidin Streptavidin Neutravidin (Round beads,TRBC1 beads, TRBC1 beads, TRBC1 1,2&3) (5 μM) (5 μM) (5 μM)

TABLE 4 Selection output numbers No. of No. of plaque plaque No. ofplaque forming forming Selection No. of forming units units units typerounds Antigen (Round 1) (Round 2) (Round 3) Solid 2 BSA/OA 1.0 × 10⁴6.0 × 10⁵ N.D phase TRBC1 Solid 2 BSA/OA 1.5 × 10³ 2.2 × 10⁶ N.D phaseTRBC2 Solid 2 Bio-TRBC1 5.0 × 10³ 2.0 × 10⁵ N.D phase Solid 2 Bio-TRBC23.0 × 10³ 1.0 × 10⁴ N.D phase Solution 3 Bio-TRBC1 1.5 × 10⁶ >10⁸ >10⁸phase Solution 3 Bio-TRBC2 2.7 × 10⁵ >10⁸ >10⁸ phase

TABLE 5 Details of monoclonal screening No. of No. of SelectionSelection Selection clones specific number Selection type antigen outputscreened binders 262 Solid-phase, TRBC1 Round-2 186 93 indirectimmobilisation 263 Solid-phase, TRBC2 Round-2 186 68 indirectimmobilisation 264 Solution-phase TRBC1 Round-2 186 83 265Solution-phase TRBC2 Round-2 186 29 266 Solution-phase TRBC1 Round-3 9447 267 Solution-phase TRBC2 Round-3 94 33 268 Solid-phase, TRBC1 Round-294 32 direct immobilisation (BSA/OA) 269 Solid-phase, TRBC2 Round-2 94 9direct immobilisation (BSA/OA)

Example 13—TRBC Polyclonal Antibody Production Via Peptide Immunisationof Rabbits

In order to generate antibodies which distinguish between TRBC2 andTRBC1, 2 peptides that cover the principle area of differentiationbetween the two TRBC isoforms were synthesized and used for theimmunization of rabbits. The following peptide sequences were used:

(SEQ ID No. 38) TRBC1: VLEDLNKVFPPEVAVC (SEQ ID No. 39) TRBC2:VLEDLKNVFPPEVAVC

15 mg of TRBC1 and TRBC2 peptides were synthesized. Keyhole LympetHemocyanin was conjugated to TRBC1 and TRBC2 peptides via C terminalcysteines present on the peptides. For each peptide 2 New Englandrabbits were immunized a total of three times with KLH conjugated TRBC1or TRBC2 peptide. After the third immunization rabbits were sacrificedand bled, and the serum collected for purification. The crude serumobtained from the rabbits were passed through a crosslinked beadedagarose resin column coupled with the peptide used for immunization tocollect antibodies specific for the common segments and the TRBC isoformspecific epitope of the peptide. The initially purified supernatant wasthen purified further through a column with the alternative peptideimmobilized, to remove the antibodies specific to common segments of thepeptide.

ELISA Setup

Coating Antigen(s): A: peptide TRBC1

-   -   B: peptide TRBC2        Coating Concentration: 4 ug/ml, 100 μl/well

Coating Buffer: Phosphate Buffered Saline, pH7.4 Secondary Antibody:Anti-RABBIT IgG (H&L) (GOAT) Antibody Peroxidase Conjugated

The results are shown in FIGS. 25A-25B and 26A-26B. It is possible tomake polyclonal serum comprising TRBC1 or TRBC2-specific antibodies bythis method.

1-12. (canceled)
 13. A method of depleting malignant T-cells in a humansubject with a TRBC1 positive T-cell lymphoma or leukaemia, the methodcomprising: determining the percentage of total T-cells in a sample fromthe subject which is TRBC1 positive and determining the percentage oftotal T-cells in the sample which is TRBC2 positive, detecting apercentage of TRBC1 positive T-cells that is greater than 80% ordetecting a percentage of TRBC2 positive T-cells that is greater than80%, diagnosing the subject as having a TRBC1 positive T-cell lymphomaor leukaemia when the percentage of TRBC1 positive cells is greater than80%, and selectively depleting T-cells in the subject determined to havethe TRBC1 positive T cell lymphoma or leukaemia by administering anagent that selectively binds to and depletes malignant and normal Tcells that are TRBC1-positive, wherein the agent is an engineered T-cellexpressing a CAR which selectively binds TRBC1 and which comprises: (i)a spacer comprising an IgG1 hinge or a CD8 stalk, and (ii) anantigen-binding domain comprising a variable heavy chain (VH)comprising: a VH CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 7, a VH CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 8, and aVH CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9, and a variable light chain (VL) comprising a VLCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 10, a VL CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 11, and a VL CDR3 of SEQID NO: 12, and (iii) an endodomain comprising a CD28 co-stimulatorycomponent and a CD3-Zeta component.
 14. The method of claim 13 whereinthe sample is a peripheral blood sample or a biopsy.
 15. A method ofselectively depleting TRBC1 positive malignant T-cells without depletingthe entire T-cell compartment in a human subject, the method comprising:determining whether a malignant T cell in a sample containing T cellsfrom the subject expresses TRBC1 or TRBC2, and when the malignant T cellexpresses TRBC1, selectively depleting malignant and normal T-cells inthe subject that express TRBC1 by administering to the subject an agentthat selectively binds to TRBC1 and that depletes said malignant andnormal T-cells, wherein the agent is an engineered T-cell expressing aCAR that selectively binds to TRBC1 and that comprises: (i) a spacercomprising an IgG1 hinge or a CD8 stalk, and (ii) an antigen-bindingdomain comprising a variable heavy chain (VH) comprising: a VH CDR1 ofSEQ ID NO: 7, a VH CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 8, and a VH CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9,and a variable light chain (VL) comprising a VL CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 10, aVL CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 11, and a VL CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 12, and (iii) anendodomain comprising a CD28 co-stimulatory component and a CD3-Zetacomponent.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the malignant T-cells inthe subject are T-cell lymphoma or leukaemia cells.
 17. The method ofclaim 16 wherein the malignant T-cells are from a peripheral T-celllymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS); angio-immunoblastic T-celllymphoma (AITL), anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL),enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL), hepatosplenic T-celllymphoma (HSTL), extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma nasal type, cutaneousT-cell lymphoma, primary cutaneous ALCL, T cell prolymphocytic leukaemiaand T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
 18. The method of claim 13wherein the malignant T-cells are from a peripheral T-cell lymphoma, nototherwise specified (PTCL-NOS); angio-immunoblastic T-cell lymphoma(AITL), anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), enteropathy-associatedT-cell lymphoma (EATL), hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTL), extranodalNK/T-cell lymphoma nasal type, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, primarycutaneous ALCL, T cell prolymphocytic leukaemia and T-cell acutelymphoblastic leukaemia.
 19. The method of claim 13 wherein the IgG1hinge is an IgG1 hinge altered to remove Fc binding motifs.
 20. Themethod of claim 15 wherein the IgG1 hinge is an IgG1 hinge altered toremove Fc binding motifs.